Clare's 4th Plinth
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 4th Plinth art competition!
Kirsty Bekoe-Tabiri, Mitosis
This piece reflects ‘the human condition’ (especially birth, growth, death and renewal) occurring even on a microscopic level. Rapidly dividing cells are drawn in the process of creating solid, breathing life. Whilst painting, I questioned what it means to be alive and to be human; both thinking and feeling.
Digital painting
Anna Berman, Nico
I began as a painter, and still think as a painter, but twenty years ago, I switched to working in calicos (in the American sense of that term, i.e. cotton fabric with a small, all-over floral print). Each fabric has its own pattern, but takes on different meanings when placed in combination with others. They also carry associations, as many are scraps from quilts or clothing my mother or I made. Cloth is a traditionally domestic medium, so using it in portraiture—a genre with a long history linked to formal depictions of elites—adds intimacy to the pieces.
Cloth collage
Sally Edser, Ag/nostos
Inspired by the dangers experienced by asylum seekers when getting to a safe country, this piece explores how these sea crossings have been a common theme through time, reimagining Odysseus’ homecoming (or nostos) in the Odyssey through this lens. It focuses on the tragedy of the lives of Odysseus’ crewmates lost at sea from the perspective of their mothers on Ithaca, rather than Odysseus' own triumphant return. The woven medium, as a traditionally feminine craft, is used to centre these women's hope and grief as they wait in vain for their sons’ return.
Textile
Katyuli Lloyd, Roumeli
Designing new book covers for Leigh Fermor's Mani and Roumeli was one of my first commissions after a Masters in Children's Book Illustrations. It held particular resonance, since my family had strong ties with Greece since the 1920s; I studied its ancient and modern languages, including at Clare College. This cover for Roumeli depicts St Varlaam monastery in Meteora, dating from 1350.
Giclee print, artist's proof
Original: pencil, ink, chinagraph, and mixed media
Sylvia Lu, Spectrum of Existence
Spectrum of Existence reminds us that life's beauty comprises both light and dark moments. Just as hardships can overshadow our joys in life, it is important to embrace a comprehensive view that celebrates all facets of our experiences, recognising the full spectrum of life's rich tapestry.
Acrylic on canvas
Anna Viehauser, Four Friends on Grantchester Street
This piece is based on a photograph taken during a walk to Grantchester at the beginning of December with a group of friends, both to explore and escape. It aims to capture the late afternoon winter light, and the feeling of calling a new place – and new people – home.
Oil on cardboard
Lucy Westwood, Dahlia from my Grandfather’s Garden
I spent many hours colouring red across the page to complete this piece. The purple offers contrast and depth, drawing your focus to the centre. The red dahlia offers a vibrant celebration of the restoration of Clare College gardens and representation of the love of horticulture demonstrated by many alumni.
Coloured pencil
Artwork to go on display at Kettle's Yard
The painting by Anna Viehhauser, a second-year History student from Clare, will soon be on display at Kettle’s Yard as part of its upcoming exhibition.
Anna, who grew up in Oxford, has always had a passion for art and pursued her interest by studying visual arts as part of the IB program. When she started university, she realised how much she missed painting as a creative outlet. Spotting a poster for Clare’s 4th Plinth competition, she eagerly decided to participate during her first Christmas vacation, finding the project a perfect way to channel her artistic energy.
Her entry, titled Four Friends on Grantchester Street is based on a photograph taken during a December walk to Grantchester with friends. It reflects the soft glow of winter’s late afternoon light and the sense of belonging that comes from discovering a new place and building new friendships.
Anna works primarily with oils on unconventional surfaces, often recycling cardboard from Amazon boxes or other household materials. Photography serves as a significant source of inspiration, as she captures compelling moments and compositions to later translate into paintings.
Although Anna’s focus lies in the calming, creative process of painting rather than critical acclaim, she is thrilled to see her work included in a youth-focused exhibition open to participants across Cambridge.
Looking ahead, Anna hopes to pursue postgraduate studies, and has a keen interest in international relations. Regardless of her academic or career path, she is committed to keeping art as an integral part of her life.
The exhibition is on at Kettle's Yard from 26th February - 9th March
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