Ruqaiya Asim, a 22-year-old blind artist from Dagenham, has won the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Cass Art Prize 2024. Her artwork, which emphasises the bond between her and her guide dog Bertie, was a standout among the longlist displayed at the Copeland Gallery in London in November. Asim aims to raise disability awareness and make art more accessible for all. Her winning piece featured Braille and a QR code to facilitate audio descriptions, allowing visitors, regardless of their vision, to engage with the piece.

The Cass Art Prize, initiated by art supply retailer Cass Art, aims to support and celebrate emerging artists. Its first exhibition intended to showcase a diverse range of talent, as it aligns with the Cass family’s legacy of over 120 years in supporting artists. Asim’s work particularly focuses on the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the art world, showcasing the need for greater accessibility.

Ruqaiya Asim’s achievement highlights the importance of representation in the arts and the continuing need for accessibility. Her innovative approach to engaging a wider audience demonstrates how artists can advocate for change through their work. The success of the inaugural Cass Art Prize bodes well for future exhibitions aimed at recognising and uplifting artistic talent across the UK and Ireland.

Original Source: fadmagazine.com

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