67 artists selected from almost 3,000 artworks have been selected for the John Moores Painting Prize 2020. From large scale canvases, bold in brush strokes and colour, to exquisitely detailed pieces, the exhibition covers a wide range of styles, united by their use of paint. For over 60 years the Prize has evolved, but one fundamental rule has remained; paintings are judged anonymously. The process allows the works to speak for themselves and gives the final exhibition a unique authenticity. The challenge and restrictions presented by Covid saw judging managed online, aided by technology that allowed jurors to appreciate the scale, texture and detail of the works in real time. It also ensured a rich dialogue between them which has always been a vital element to the competition and its judging. 

The John Moores Painting Prize 2020 opens at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EL, from 12^th February to 27^th June 2021. Due to recent COVID-19 lockdown measures, please check the website before visiting for any updates to opening times and dates.

Find out more at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/jmpp/john-moores-painting-prize

Image credit: Robyn Clewley