Shortlisted for the Visual Art Open 2026 – ‘Birthday Boy’

I am delighted to share some wonderful news: my sculpture ‘Birthday Boy’ has been shortlisted for the Visual Art Open 2026, in the Sculpture Category.

Following the initial longlisting, my work has now progressed to the next stage of judging. The judges considered the quality, creativity and diversity of this year's submissions, making it a great honour to see Birthday Boy included among the shortlisted works.

‘Birthday Boy’

Created using air-drying Creative Paperclay, Birthday Boy is a figurative sculpture that reflects my interest in using symbolic characters to explore human emotions, experiences and the stories we carry with us.

For me, sculpture is not simply about creating a figure. I am interested in giving each character its own personality and leaving space for the viewer to discover their own interpretation and story.

Reaching the Visual Art Open shortlist is another encouraging milestone in my artistic journey. It is particularly meaningful to have my sculpture recognised at a time when my practice continues to develop through exhibitions, awards and opportunities to share my work with new audiences.

My sincere thanks to the Visual Art Open and the Visual Artists Association for this opportunity, and to the judges for selecting Birthday Boy for the shortlist.

I am now looking forward to hearing whether the sculpture progresses to the Finalist stage.

Thank you to everyone who follows my work, visits my exhibitions, collects my sculptures, attends my workshops and continues to support my artistic journey. Your encouragement means a great deal to me.

I will share further news as soon as I receive it.