The prestigious exhibition, which is embarking on a national tour, will feature work by MA Fine Art alumni Richard Gregory and Sophie Firth, alongside PhD alumna Juliette Losq. They were among just 92 artists chosen from over 2,600 international entries submitted by 1,400 artists across 48 countries.
Professor Emerita Siân Bowen, who leads AUB's DRAWING: Transformative Matter, Material Trace Research Group, also had two works selected and received a Highly Commended Award. She attended the London opening at Trinity Buoy Wharf to celebrate the launch of the exhibition, widely regarded as the UK’s foremost open exhibition for contemporary drawing.
Professor Bowen noted the achievement of her colleagues and alumni, stating, “Juliette, Sophie and Richard are also all members of AUB’s research group in drawing. It’s a really wonderful achievement – and testament to the value that AUB continues to place on drawing in all its rich and diverse forms.”
The selection panel included artist Matthew Burrows MBE, Sook-Kyung Lee (Director of the Whitworth), and Professor Anita Taylor (founding Director of the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize).
This recognition comes as AUB prepares to host the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2026 on campus in November. The exhibition will open The Gallery’s 2026–27 Exhibition Programme, marking the eighth time AUB has hosted the event and underscoring its commitment to contemporary drawing.
Violet McClean, Curator and Manager of The Gallery, expressed her enthusiasm: “It is an absolute privilege for us to host the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize exhibition here at The Gallery. This exhibition is a cornerstone for contemporary drawing practice, and welcoming it to campus allows our students, staff, and wider community to engage directly with work of such incredible calibre. Having our own alumni and academics featured alongside the shortlisted artists makes bringing the show to AUB even more special.”
The exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to view the shortlisted works, celebrating both international drawing talent and the achievements of AUB’s creative community. The AUB Hang of the exhibition will run from 27 November until 12 February 2027, with the formal opening and private view event scheduled for 26 November.
