UCF School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) graduate student Njeri Kinuthia is the winner of the 2023 éclat Law Prize. éclat Law’s Foundation for Community Action, founded in 2019, has partnered with SVAD to introduce a new prize for one deserving student in the Emerging Media MFA, Studio Art and Design track to support their educational and professional endeavors.
Kinuthia grew up in rural Kenya. Her work reflects her personal experiences while exploring the impact of gendered, cultural oppression. “Through pastel and charcoal drawings, I address the suppression and oppression of women from Kenya,” Kinuthia writes in her artist statement. Her work involves colorful fabrics, vibrant colors, and attentive care to display her deep appreciation for her culture and personal experiences, while offering powerful commentary on the cruel, oppressive practices. The drawings depict women wrapped tightly in headwraps to the point of suffocation to “symbolize the weight and restrictions of gender roles on women.”
Laura Cosgrove, head of éclat Law’s arts and entertainment practice, explains: “éclat Law is proud to be working with the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design to provide financial support for a graduate student in the Studio Art Program. Our éclat team and Foundation for Community Action are inspired to support emerging Florida artists while empowering the success of our community through these types of partnerships.”
As the recipient of this award, Kinuthia’s work will be exhibited at éclat Law Firm in Altamonte Springs from May 17-August 29 and she will receive an award of $5,000. The exhibition and cash prize are intended to enrich the student’s artistic practice and lessen the financial stress of these endeavors. éclat Law is hosting a public to celebrate Kinuthia on May 17 at the ART LOVERS Party from 6-8 pm. Guests can attend for a $25 fee and may register for the reception here.
Learn how you can support a UCF artist at cah.ucf.edu/alumni-giving/.
Featured Artwork: Smothered I, Njeri Kinuthia, Pastel and charcoal on paper, 28″x16″, 2023
To learn more about the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design’s offerings, visit: svad.cah.ucf.edu