Q & A with Silvia Lioci - Curator, The Coffee Art Project
Finalist from the coffee themed artwork competition The Coffee Art Project will be on display at The London Coffee Festival - from sculpture, water colour and pencil drawings to photography. We catch up with Silvia Lioci about the exciting Coffee Art Project currently previewing at The Old Truman Brewery (shop 12).
Q: Tell us what The Coffee Art Project is all about?
A: The Coffee Art Project was created to connect art with coffee and to showcase the creativity and talents of emerging and established artist. The connection between art, coffee and people is embedded in everyday life and it is extraordinary how this connection reaches people’s hearts and souls. Through the Coffee Art Project we are helping Project Waterfall in supporting some of the poorest coffee communities in Tanzania.
This project is a forum for people who believe in change, in art and in the power that coffee and coffee culture have in modern society.
Q: What is different this year?
The quality of the artwork this year is absolutely amazing (not that it wasn't last year!)
2013 saw the first ever Coffee Art Project and the vibe was exciting and fresh. Since then we have launched in Milan and New York and this year's London edition feels more mature. We've reached more artists than ever - the result is a unique and inspiring collection!
A: Who’s judging?
There's: Jeffrey Young, Chairman, The Allegra Foundation, Jeanette Meinl, Buying Director, Julius Meinl Industry-Holding, Celeste Menich, Head of Design and Production, The Tate, Mark Dunhill, Dean of Art, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, Isabel Formica Jakob, Editor in Chief, 160g Digital and Tom Watson, MP, West Bromwich East.
An eclectic bunch who really know their stuff!
Q: Go on tell us… do you have a favourite already?
A: Of course I have my favourite, but I'll keep it a secret!
The winning artist will be announced at The London Coffee Festival on Sunday 06th April and receive a cash prize of £ 1,500 as well as the chance to have their artwork appearing on Coffee by Tate for 12 months.
Five other artists will be shortlisted as runners-up and visitors of The London Coffee Festival 2014 will be able to vote for their favourite piece too!
Artwork images by: Hannah Adamaszek, Edo Zollo, Milan Abad