Ullger’s ‘Ophelia’ shortlisted for Almenara Art prize

Local artist Karl Ullger’s piece ‘Ophelia’ has got through to the shortlist of 700 paintings for the Almenara Art prize.

The Almenara Art Prize offers economical support to artists and a great opportunity to promote their work. It stands out for its categories and prizes. Accepted works, finalists and winners remain displayed in their webpage and social media.

His painting Ophelia is his rendition and version of the story of Ophelia, depicting the aftermath of the Shakespearean heroine’s suicide in Hamlet.

“A morbid scene but a popular one at the time. A story that has been interpreted by many artists, one that stands out for me is by Sir John Everett Millais dating back to 1851,” said Mr Ullger.

“In my version she is walking towards us through a swamp of leaves and shrubs. The painting is a juxtaposition and battle of greens and reds.”

“With the red dominating the shadows and the very lower section of the painting. The bottom of the painting in red representing her sad fate of eventual drowning.”

“While she walks dragging her ankles through the swamp she sees her reflection on the water where her mental health is being tested, a painting with no violence but an ethereally harrowing tone,” he added.

‘Ophelia’ will be now featuring on the Almenara Collection online exhibition until 30th November, irrelevant whether it reaches the final selected works round. If successful it will be hanging the month of November in the Real Circulo de la Amistad, in Córdoba.

Mr Ullger explained that in a few weeks the judging for the final gala will take place and if his painting were to be successful then on Thursday, November 7 there would be a Gala night where the dinner and prizes are held.

“The gala is considered to be one of the most prestigious art events in Spain with top international artists being invited. Artists such as the famous Madrid based artist, Antonio Lopez Garcia has been amongst some of the judges in previous years,” he said.

Almenara is a non-profit initiative to promote and help artists and an online and social media platform to connect artists, art lovers, collectors, galleries and other prominent people around art world. It organises events, art contests and collaborates with art schools, art organisations and clubs. It also promotes artists, their works and exhibitions.

There will be an exhibition of selected works in Córdoba, Spain, from November 7 to 30, 2024.

The exhibition takes place in the Real Circulo de la Amistad, in Córdoba, a cultural institution, a historic club and a building dated back to 1854.

Today it has more than 8000 members a library of about 17,000 volumes and an important pictorial background with canvases by Julio Romero de Torres, Carlos Ángel Díaz Huertas or José María Rodríguez de los Ríos Losada, among others.

For more information on Mr Ullger’s work go to:
Instagram: ullger_art
Facebook: Karl Ullger Artworks