Brookfield Properties Craft Award Exhibition 2022 - Christian Ovonlen: Botanical

In partnership with the Crafts Council

Working with pastel and pencil, the artist has created sophisticated and sensitive uses of lines, forms, and mark making, visible in these fluid, delicate and visually-impactful series of hangings.

Taking inspiration from sources found in archives, museum collections, popular culture, and nature, Ovonlen’s creative process begins with research, and hand drawn sketches producing hand drawn and printed studies on paper. He then translates across to the medium of textile design and hand-crafted print techniques. Pushing the boundaries of printed textile production, herby developing a unique language of drawn and painted imagery, silk screen printed onto hand dyed silks.

Ovonlen’s large-scale work in textiles is celebrated across two exhibitions, Botanical and Theatrical, at 99 Bishopsgate and Aldgate Tower respectively, both on view June 20 to September 25, 2022.

Special thanks to Ella Ritchie MBE, Director Intoart.

About The Brookfield Properties Craft Award

The Brookfield Properties Craft Award is one of the most significant craft prizes in the UK. The Award recognises an artist who significantly contributes to the story of contemporary craft and making in the UK. 

As part of the Award, Brookfield Properties acquires the winning artist’s work for the Crafts Council Collection, the UK’s foremost collection of contemporary craft, which currently holds over 1,700 objects. The winning artist of the award, selected by Crafts Council and Brookfield Properties curators, also receives a solo exhibition at a Brookfield Properties space. The inaugural award in 2020 was won by Matt Smith, with Anna Ray winning in 2021. Christian Ovonlen is the third recipient of the award.

‘We're looking for something that inspires the community within our buildings as well as people on the streets of London,’ says Brookfield Properties Curator and Marketing Director, Saff Williams.

WATCH A VIDEO OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT >>