The exhibition For the Love of Art History at The Exhibitionist Hotel in South Kensington, London, brings together artists from across the globe to reinterpret one of humanity's most profound emotions – love - through the lens of art history. This celebration honours diverse cultural legacies and acknowledges the rich, multifaceted traditions that have shaped the visual arts. While iconic works such as Klimt's The Kiss and Giotto's depiction of Joachim and Anna have captured enduring moments of romantic love, this exhibition also seeks to challenge traditional narratives by inviting contemporary artists to explore love in its many forms: platonic, religious, passionate, or devotional. It underscores art’s unique capacity to express this universal emotion while celebrating a broader, more inclusive vision of art history. The exhibition also highlights the importance of representation in visual art, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and stories, broadening the dialogue to include non-heteronormative and non-Western perspectives. These works seek to normalize diverse identities and relationships, addressing gaps in art history while amplifying voices often overlooked. This inclusive approach ensures that love, in all its complexity and beauty, is celebrated as a truly universal human experience, reflecting the evolving and diverse narratives of contemporary art.

Our 2025 awards feature the
Woman Artist Prize, given by Dr. Chris Blatchley and judged by him and prominent collector and philanthropist Lady Jill Shaw Ruddock, CBE. Additionally, the exhibition will include an Acquisition Award for the second consecutive year, from Brad Blume, art collector and President of the Rudolph Blume Foundation. For the third time, Brownhill Insurance Group will sponsor the People’s Choice Award. The 2025 Edition has also been generously supported by the Kirsh Foundation.

 
SELECTED ARTISTS:
Munisha Gupta | Deniz Kurdak | Thomas MacGregor | Daisy McMullan | Josie Love Roebuck | Jemma Gowland | Deborah Azzopardi | Kelsey Shultis | Carolyn Tripp | Olga Morozova | Helen Brough | Alexandra Baraitser | Sandra Shashou | Matilda Baxendale-Kirby | Lissie Baldwin | Shiba Huizer | Liron Kroll | Blair Martin Cahill | James Robert Morrison | Emilia Momen | Carlton Scott Sturgill | Alexa Harris | Yoshihito Suzuki | Eveline Kieskamp | Keerthana Kumar | Lucy Newman | Claire Carroll | Maxim Burnett | Sarah Jane Moon | Ella Shepard | Steven Morant | Lesley Wood | Claudette Forbes | Ruby Taglight | Gail Altschuler | Zidi Gong | Jo Holdsworth | Cristina Schek


Key Dates:

Young Masters: For the Love of Art History, 16 January – 8 April 2025
The Exhibitionist Hotel, 8-10 Queensberry Pl, South Kensington, London, SW7 2EA

16 January 2025 - Young Masters Artists Reception 6-9pm | RSVP here
13 February 2025 - Valentine’s Eve YM Benefit Jazz Concert 6.30-9pm | RSVP here
5 April 2025 - Finissage with Tea 3-6pm | RSVP here

 

Later update: congratulations to our outstanding winners and highly commended artists.

Young Masters Woman Artist Award 2025
Winner: Emilia Momen

Generously sponsored by Dr. Chris Blatchley

The Young Masters Woman Artist Award celebrates the exceptional contribution of women in the arts. This year, we are proud to honor Emilia Momen for her remarkable work.

Highly Commended: Blair Martin Cahill, Kelsey Shultis,  Lucy Newman, Alexandra Baraitser

Young Masters Ruddock Foundation for the Arts Award 2025

Winner: Carlton Scott Sturgill
Generously sponsored by The Ruddock Foundation for the Arts

The Young Masters Ruddock Foundation for the Arts Award recognizes outstanding artistic achievement, and we are pleased to announce Carlton Scott Sturgill as this year’s recipient.

Young Masters Rudolph Blume Foundation Acquisition Award 2025

Winner: Sarah Jane Moon
Generously sponsored by Brad Blume, art collector and President of The Rudolph Blume Foundation.

The Rudolph Blume Foundation Acquisition Award honors artists whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity. Sarah Jane Moon has been selected for her distinctive and captivating contributions to the art world.

Highly Commended: Jo Holdsworth, James Robert Morrison, Cristina Schek

Young Masters People’s Choice Award 2025

First Prize Winner: Cristina Schek
Second Prize Winner: Alexandra Baraitser
Generously sponsored by The Brownhill Insurance Group

The People's Choice Award is a unique honor, as it reflects the support and admiration of the public. We are thrilled to announce Cristina Schek as the First Prize winner for this year and Alexandra Baraitser as Second Prize Winner.

Find out more here.

About Young Masters
The Young Masters Art Prize is a not-for-profit international curatorial platform and art initiative, founded in 2009 by gallerist Cynthia Valianti Corbett, owner of Cynthia Corbett Gallery. This unique initiative aims to highlight emerging artists of any gender, age, or nationality, working in any media. Young Masters celebrates artistic skill and innovation, with awareness of the Old Masters and art of the past. We strive to offer talented artists global visibility and support.