Peterlee cemetery and circus photograph wins open art exhibition
Andy Martinβs image, titled The Circus and the Graveyard, Peterlee (2024), was named overall winner at the Northumberland Open Exhibition 2026, which opened recently at Woodhorn Museum in Ashington.
The night-time photograph contrasts the gravestones in a Peterlee cemetery with the colourful lights of a circus in a nearby field.
Mr Martin said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be chosen as winner of the Northumberland Open Exhibition.Β
“I know from previous years the number and standard of entries is always remarkably high, and itβs a real testament to the immense creative skill and talent we have here in the North East.”
The exhibition features 568 artworks by more than 280 artists from across the region, including painters, sculptors, glassmakers and multidisciplinary creatives, andΒ runs until May 10.
“I’m very honoured to have my work on the walls alongside the work of so many respected artists, and it’s made even more special by the fact it’s held at a venue as outstanding as Woodhorn”, Mr Martin added.
Narbi Price, a painter, curator and member of the selection panel, praised the winning entry, saying:Β “Andy Martin’s winning photograph has a brilliant combination of factors.Β
“Not only is it excellently executed technically and formally, but the intense colours and harmonious composition draw us into the coal-black humour of the jarring juxtaposition.”
This yearβs highly commended artists included Clare Money for Scarred Earth, Annie Kennerley for A Seat Left Warm, Katherine Rousselange for This Green and Pleasant Land, and Joseph Wilson for a photograph from his series Up the Dancers.
Visitors can purchase many of the pieces on display and vote for their favourite in the Peopleβs Choice Award, which will be announced at the close of the exhibition in May.