11th Sep 2021

A Rare Talent: unique style & emotional sophistication from Lorena Levi


Lorena Levi, was awarded the Astaire prize 2021 from Edinburgh university and has now been shortlisted for the Young Contemporaries Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy 2023. Levi creates challenging and technically impressive paintings which show a unique style as well as emotional sophistication – very exciting qualities to see in an emerging artist – her future is bright.

UPDATED: LORENA WINS 2022 JACKSON’S PAINTING PRIZE

We’ve been excited about Lorena Levi ever since Sarah discovered her work at Edinburgh College of Art’s degree show last year, when she was already winning prizes. So we’re delighted, and not entirely surprised, to hear that this week her work has been awarded the 2022 Jackson’s painting prize. It’s an internationally prestigious prize: a hallmark of Lorena’s achievement so far and promise of what is to come. Now is a an excellent time to invest in this brilliant emerging artist. 

We see Lorena’s work as part of a phenomenal tradition of psychological painting, in the line of Lucien Freud, Alice Neel, and Chantal Joffe – all of whom Lorena mentions as an inspiration. The committee of judges said they selected Lorena’s work for its ‘oil technique’ and ‘distinct characterisation’ of subjects.

‘Human relations are a driving force for my paintings’. You can read our full interview with Lorena here.

NewBlood’s take on Lorena: ‘The often domestic spaces of her scenes hold an atmosphere charged with the psychological reality of multiple people. They also give space for alternatives, the other version of events that the mind dreams up.’ 

View all available work by Lorena Levi.

Work mother, home father 
By Lorena Levi
2021 Graduate
£1600

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