Rosie Phillips

Her entry is a charming double portrait of her parents and their two dogs, viewed from above. There is huge competition in getting to this advanced stage in the selection process, so while there is another cut to go through before its final selection, our fingers are crossed for her.

The award celebrates the best in contemporary portraiture and is one of the most important platforms for portrait painters working internationally today. The artworks originate from different countries including the UK, entered explore a variety of approaches to portraiture, from the classic to the contemporary, and encourage viewers to reflect on the creativity of the artists’ processes.

The exhibition will be held from 25 June - 7 October 2026. We look forward to seeing the final hang.

See more examples of Rosie's work in our online showroom

About the author

Paul Barratt

Paul Barratt started working in contemporary art galleries in 1989, having graduated in Fine Art from Goldmsith’s, London University. He initially worked at Anthony d’Offay Gallery, one of the contemporary art dealers, who dominated the London art market in the 80s and 90s. He was approached by the Lisson Gallery to be gallery manager for the influential art dealer Nicholas Logsdail. This was followed by a short period in New York at Gladstone Gallery, to work for visionary art dealer Barbara Gladstone, working with the artist and filmmaker Matthew Barney.

 

On his return to London, Paul secured a place on the postgraduate curatorial course at the Royal College of Art, to complete an MA. After graduation in 2001, he worked as an independent curator on several projects in Oslo, London, Brighton and Basel, before joining Paul Vater at his design agency Sugarfree in 2004. He has worked with Paul ever since.

View all posts by Paul Barratt