The McMaster Museum of Art is pleased to announce the recipients of the SUMMA awards for emerging artists participating in the McMaster BFA Graduation exhibition unguarded: SUMMA 2020.

FACULTY AWARD: Brittany Forrest

As a queer feminist artist, Brittany Forrest brings to light social issues, exposing the alienated, and creates a space for unconventional discussions surrounding the complex themes within her art. By breaking down social constructs, Forrest hopes to create normalcy surrounding sexual discussions and exploration to promote collective psychological healing. The artist graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts & Minor in Art History.

The 2020 Faculty Award winner is selected by the McMaster School of the Arts studio art faculty.

MUSEUM AWARD: Sarah Urban

Sarah Urban works primarily with environmental art, specifically analyzing the human effect as well as the adaptation of natural cycles in the Canadian landscape. Urban wants to show the resiliency of the environment, and how life can come from the dead and nutrient rich decay of the Earth. The artist graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts

The 2020 Museum Award winner is selected by curator Stylo Starr.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – TIE:
Amanda Drinkwater and Shveta Sharma

Amanda Drinkwater’s practice is one of continual change and exploration with media and ways of working. Currently, the artist is working with precision paper cut-outs. Drinkwater’s compositions explore how shape, line, colour, and light can influence one’s perception and emotion. The artist graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Shveta Sharma’s practice explores the world of identity, alternate realities, and pop culture across a wide variety of media and art forms including spoken word poetry. Her recent work delves into the world of music and lighting, marrying the two in immersive multi-media works, and interactive installations and performances. The artist graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts.

The 2020 People’s Choice award winner was selected by the public via online poll, Sept 11-30.