The Dentons London office celebrated the 11th Dentons Art Prize event recently, with a reception at its office in Fleet Place, where colleagues and contacts gathered to recognise emerging artists. 

Collaborating with curator Niamh White and artist Tim A Shaw, the Dentons Art Prize supports promising artists as they progress in their careers, and values the vibrant and responsive insights on both local and global culture that they provide.

London-based artist Lauren Godfrey won first place and was awarded the prize of £5,000. Lauren was selected by the judging panel for four works that offer a space for the viewer to get lost in an overload of pattern on pattern, creating a dialogue and an atmosphere of joy and generosity. Lauren's work is held in collections around the world, including Soho House and she has a permanent installation at Newham Hospital, London.

Jimmy Merris was awarded second place, with a prize fund of £2,500, for a series of small woodcut prints that feature a lonely figure, either weeping, wanting help or standing still. Some of the prints have as many as 15 layers of ink on top of one another, producing a glossy, almost plastic-like finish.

The special commendation prize was given to Dan Howard-Birt, with Stephen Doherty being awarded the Staff Prize, as voted for by Dentons employees.

As part of the initiative, the shortlisted artists display their work at Fleet Place and are supported with expert pro bono legal advice.

Partner Lucille De Silva, who is the Dentons Art Prize lead, commented: "Once a year, a number of artists, many of whom have gone on to great success, showcase their work at Dentons. For our lawyers and clients, who spend many hours in meetings, the changing art collection provides inspiration in challenging negotiations. We thank all our 'Dentons Art Prize' artists and judges for the superb competition!"

The prizes, awarded by Dentons, were presented by a judging panel made up of John Cavanagh (Chair of the organisation ArtAngel), conceptual artist Sutapa Biswas and Judith Nezri (Associate Director at the Swiss modern art gallery Hauser & Wirth). 

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