finalists FOR 2025
OUR FIRST FINALIST
NATASHA MOSS
"Graduating with a Fine Art degree from Central Saint Martins, my artistic journey has been one of self-discovery. Initially drawn to the traditional 'artist' persona—introspective and concept-driven—I often overthought my process, believing meaningful work had to stem from personal beliefs.
"Over time, I embraced instinct over expectation, letting raw color and subconscious impulses guide me. This shift created a dynamic process of layering and rhythm, exploring the dialogue between the conscious and subconscious. Each mark became part of an uninhibited conversation within myself.
"Now, my works feel like interconnected siblings—distinct yet bound by a shared essence. Together, they create a rhythm that reflects my process and finds depth in placement, color, and movement. This journey has led to art that feels truly authentic, instinctive, and free."
OUR SECOND FINALIST
VENETTA NICOLE
Venetta Nicole is not just an artist but a storyteller, Venetta does not believe that there is one particular way of creating art.. Therefore, her work is a reflection of different responses to existing themes. creating narratives through vibrant colors and bold strokes on her canvas.
Venetta currently resides in London and works from her home. She obtained a degree with Honors in Visual Communication design achieved at Middlesex University.
Her journey as an artist has been a tapestry of experiences, from commissioning bespoke pieces for diverse clients like the NHS to showcasing her talent at venues such as Sadlers Wells Theatre and Lauderdale House Gallery. She has also won the Susan Angoy category in the formally named Holy Bush Art Prize.
Venetta Nicole creates portraiture and abstract scenes as a means to impart internal journeys of relevant subjects and relevant emotions. Each piece of art that she creates examines our unseen internal journeys experienced hoping to evoke comprehensive conversations with those that see them, no matter where on the globe they may find themselves.
Venetta's work captures ambiguity inviting the viewer to reconsider what is being prioritised in the visual space. Her art incorporates sense of movement achieved by using harmonious patterns, symbolic motifs and a bold, bright colour palette with intentional compositions. Venetta Nicole also commits to creating a narrative on canvas that invites viewers to embark on an internal journey of interpretation and introspection.
Working in mixed media which includes acrylic, oil pastel and charcoal on canvas creates depth and meaning. Venetta’s artistic vision embraces a fusion of Abstract art, Expressionism, and pop art, using these styles gives her the freedom of creating a unique visual Language.
OUR 3RD FINALIST
EMILY HANA
Emily Hana is a visionary sculptural painter whose work blurs the boundaries between painting and sculpture, crafting immersive three-dimensional pieces from reclaimed materials. Entirely self-taught, Emily transforms discarded wood and objects into intricate surfaces that embody the complex layers of identity and personal growth. Her unique style reflects influences from Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbau, exploring texture, form, and imagination in equal measure.
A highlight of Emily's career includes her 2021 solo exhibition, Komorebi, in London and her 2023 shortlisting for the Royal British Arts Rome scholarship, culminating in a group show in Mayfair. Her recent works delve into the longing for touch in an age of artificial intimacy, reimagining her childhood invention of a "hugging machine" into thought-provoking scenes between humans and imagined forms. Through AI-generated imagery and physical creations, she explores the tension between connection and technological interaction.
Dynamic and deeply emotive, Emily’s art invites viewers to engage from multiple angles, revealing fresh perspectives and evolving narratives with every glance. Her creations are a testament to transformation—both of materials and the human experience—offering profound reflections on connection, absence, and the art of renewal.
OUR FOURTH FINALIST
SINATRA ZANTOUT
Sinatra Zantout is a Lebanese-Nigerian painter and photographer based in London, whose work delves into the hidden stories of women of color in lower-income societies. Through her art, Zantout explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of strength, particularly as it relates to motherhood and the pursuit of a better future. Raised between Lebanon and Nigeria, her dual heritage deeply influences her creative practice.
Zantout's distinctive style, "Masqueradism," incorporates African masks as symbols of identity and resilience, exploring the hidden narratives of women navigating financial hardship. In her series *NO EYE CAN SEE ME*, she highlights the often-overlooked strength of women in these communities, challenging societal stereotypes and honoring their unrecognized contributions. Combining both painting and photography, Zantout’s work serves as a powerful commentary on the intersection of culture, identity, and the role of women in society.
OUR FIFTH FINALIST
ELIZABETH RHONA
Elizabeth Rhona (b.1999) is a London-based artist whose evocative work explores the intersections of nature, transformation, and femininity. A graduate of Staffordshire University with a BA in Fine Art (2022), she further honed her practice while pursuing an MA in Painting at the prestigious Royal College of Art (2024).Rhona's art delves into the imagery of metamorphosis, crafting hybrid beings of flora and flesh that draw inspiration from Grotesque Art. Her work incorporates key elements of this genre, including symmetry, ornamentation, and transformation, to reimagine female forms within Moresque-inspired scenes. Using repeated curved motifs influenced by classical flora, she bridges nature and the human body, capturing the dualities of life and decay.
Through her intricate paintings, Elizabeth also interrogates the evolving perception of women throughout history, offering a contemporary reclamation of the feminine body and its sexuality. Her art invites viewers to engage with themes of transformation and empowerment while celebrating the resilience and complexity of femininity.
OUR SIXTH FINALIST
LIAM DUNNE
Liam Dunne is an emerging artist whose talent has already earned him recognition on notable platforms, including his appearance on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2018. At just 23 years old, Liam has demonstrated exceptional skill and a distinct artistic vision, making him one to watch in the contemporary art scene. His work reflects a dedication to craft and a promising future in the world of fine art.
OUR SEVENTH FINALIST
VANE MG
Vane MG is a Colombian-born multidisciplinary artist and designer now thriving in London, celebrated for her vibrant fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary artistry. Her work spans street art and digital illustration, distinguished by its bold neon palette, playful nods to her background in toy design, and her signature Heart Eyes motif—a hallmark of her realistic female portraits infused with an abundance of hearts and urban energy.
Vane MG’s art is deeply rooted in her Colombian identity, blending its rich natural and cultural symbolism with the dynamic vibes of London. A career highlight includes her landmark collaboration with the world-renowned Kew Gardens during their famed Orchid Festival. Here, she became the first artist to paint murals within the Princess of Wales Conservatory walls, bringing to life colourful depictions of Colombian nature. This achievement not only showcased her artistic vision but also positioned her as a proud ambassador of Colombian art on the global stage.Her unique ability to merge cultural storytelling with modern techniques makes Vane MG a standout voice in the contemporary art scene.
OUR EIGHTH FINALIST
D.N.Z
D.N.Z is a bold and innovative stencil street artist based in London, UK, whose vibrant creations have left an indelible mark on urban landscapes and gallery walls alike. Renowned for their striking murals, D.N.Z’s work challenges boundaries and sparks conversation, often delving into controversial themes. His artistry graces streets across Los Angeles, Denver, Florida, and the UK, transforming public spaces into powerful visual statements.
In addition to his street art, D.N.Z brings their unique style to gallery canvases, with pieces showcased in prominent galleries across the UK and US. This dual presence ensures that their evocative works reach a wide audience, resonating with fans and collectors around the globe.
OUR NINTH FINALIST
ELLIE DAMANT
When only 2 years old Ellie Damant began drawing cartoons, and was singled out as a highly ‘gifted’ child.
But as Michelangelo scolded his student to ‘Draw Antonio, draw Antonio…draw and don’t waste time!’ she found only dedication and practice bring a natural ability to mastery, and mastery to the deep communication of our human condition that is in true art.
After school, Ellie gained a place to study Physics and French at King’s College London, but knew art was her passion, so she took up an unconditional offer and Exhibition place on the BFA and MA Fine Art course at the prestigious Ruskin School of Art, having won the only Fine Art undergraduate place at Magdalen College, Oxford University. She went on to win prizes and distinctions at the Ruskin, and took the famous anatomy course at the world leading Oxford University Department of Genetics and Anatomy
After her first degree, Ellie took a Masters in Philosophy specializing in Aesthetics and Art Theory at the internationally recognized Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP).
Diverse famous sitters and leaders in professional fields internationally and in the City of London have sat for Ellie Damant. They include Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (private sittings took place in Buckingham Palace’s famous Chinese Drawing Room), Dame Helena Morrissey DBE, Karen Blackett OBE and Dame Darcey Bussell DBE, world famous Prima Ballerina of the Royal Ballet and BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing judge.
The artist’s work has been displayed in London’s Mansion House in the presence of Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf and at other public and private locations in the U.K. and abroad. One of her portraits was the highest selling auction lot at the prestigious Ascot event for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal in 2017.