Angela de la Cruz wins the prize ‘National Plastic Arts Award, 2017’ in Spain. Yesterday the jury unanimously awarded “the intensity of her work, which explores the complex relationship between the illusionist space of the painting and the physical presence of the sculpture”.
This award recognizes artists whose work or activity represents an outstanding or innovative contribution to the Spanish cultural heritage. It has been organized every year since 1980 by the Ministry of Culture and is worth 30,000 euros. It is an award that is given to the creators of all kinds of different artistic manifestations: contemporary art, painting, sculpture, photography, etc. World-renowned artists such as Eva Lootz, Cristina Iglesias, Pablo Palazuelo, Juan Muñoz and Antoni Muntadas, among others have been awarded this prize.
“I am very happy, it is a great recognition to my work and background. It is also for me an honor to represent a 52 year old female artist receiving this award in her home country”
Born in Galicia in north-west Spain in 1965, Angela de la Cruz lives and works in London since the end of the eighties, where she obtained a BA in Fine Art from Goldsmiths College (1994) and an MA in Sculpture and Critical Theory from the Slade (1996).
Solo exhibitions include PEER, London, UK (2016); Wetterling Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden (2016); Fundación Luis Seoane, A Coruña, Spain (2015); BURST at Lisson Gallery (2013); Camden Arts Centre, London, UK (2010); Museo de Arte Contemporanea de Vigo and Annex Space MARCO, Spain (2004) and many others. She was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2010.
De la Cruz uses the language of painting and sculpture to create striking works that combine formal tension with a deeper emotional presence.
Vídeo credits © Tate / © Angela de la Cruz / © Lisson Gallery