Lucena Orellana wins Gibraltar International Art Exhibition 2023

Juan Lucena Orellana’s ‘Nocturno Urbano’ won the first prize in the 50th Gibraltar International Art Exhibition 2023 which was opened on Tuesday night by the new minister for culture, Christian Santos.

The Gibraltar International Art Exhibition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture is being held at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates. Both local and international artists submitted a total of 133 works.

“We always say here that there's a lot of talent in Gibraltar. What's fantastic about today's event is that we get to share that talent with all our international friends,” said Mr Santos.

“I have been walking around all the vaults...and really I'm super impressed. I always come to these exhibitions. I'm always impressed by the standard of work from everyone involved.”
Royal Academician Stephen Cox carried out the adjudication and was also present on the night.

“I think the standard generally is very, very good. There just weren't enough prizes, I'm afraid. I think we managed to squeeze in extra commendations,” he said.

“But I think for those who haven't got commendations, and those who haven't got prizes, you're all winners because you're showing your work in a beautifully curated show, with the support of a fantastic group of people with a fantastic department.”

“And it's a privilege to come here.”

Taking the second prize, the Jacobo Azagury Prize was Iagustín Estudillo Peña with ‘Autorretrato’ and third prize the Leni Mifsud Prize was Sergio Galea Rodríguez with ‘Latent Dyslexia’.
Winning best Gibraltar theme and therefore the Rudesindo Mannia Prize was Michael Acris with ‘Triumph of Desertness’.

The best young artist and winner of the Mario Finlayson Prize was David Llamas with ‘An Extended Family Portrait’.

Receiving highly commended recognition from Mr Cox was Adam Galloway for ‘Springtime Pill Box’; Caroline Canessa for ‘Veranito Llanito’; Chris-Anne Alcantara with ‘These Streets’; Emma Dalmedo for ‘Thermal Vision’; Fermin Garcia Villaescusa with ‘Patio de Jerez V’; Jose Manuel Diaz Pino with ‘Teriantropía’; Leslie Gaduzo for ‘New York’; Manuel Castillero with ‘Lux Aeterna’; Nancy Crisp for ‘Olori’; Naomi Duarte with ‘Summer Burnout / Fiebre de Verano’ and Sebastian Rodriguez with ‘View from Gibraltar College.

The Exhibition is now open to the public until Saturday November 4 from 10.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays and 10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays. Entry is free.