Dandelion, Ed Burkes’ solo exhibition, is touring to London and opens to the public at Mall Galleries from 6 July 2021 to 11 July 2021.

Dandelion is an exhibition of work created by Ed (the eighth winner of the Jonathan Vickers Fine Art Award) in response to the people, culture, heritage and landscape of Derbyshire. The biennial award brings a rising artist to Derby to produce a lasting legacy of contemporary work of national importance.

Ed was selected for the residency as part of an exciting new collaboration with Mall Galleries whereby past exhibitors of the Federation of British Artists’ FBA Futures exhibition (the UK’s largest annual survey of figurative art by new graduates) were invited to be considered for the award.

Ed Burkes says: “I’m very lucky to have been awarded this residency. For me, making artwork is such a cathartic and pleasant experience – it really helps me consolidate my thoughts and feelings about the world. Making art is really easy to do and if I can help open that up for people, that would be great. My ideas are sparked from the commonplace, a drawing or situation: a friend drinking coffee, a buddy pulling up his socks, someone browsing in the fruit and veg section of Tesco Express. Through the process of painting, everyday scenes are given a mythic or heroic air.”

Rachael Grime, Chief Executive of Foundation Derbyshire says: “The Jonathan Vickers Fine Art Award is one of the most valuable art prizes in the country and Ed is a truly worthy winner. Overcoming the challenges and obstacles of lockdown, he has created a bold and intriguing body of work full of colour, theatre, folklore and nods to the everyday.

Our collaboration with Mall Galleries is an exciting development for the Vickers Art Award and a wonderful opportunity for our resident artists.

Dandelion opened at Derby Museum and Art Gallery in September 2020 before moving to Mall Galleries, London.