GOT HERE Array ( [strictly_necessary] => Array ( ) [functional] => Array ( ) [performance_analytics] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [0] => legacy [1] => [2] => ) ) [advertisement_targeting] => Array ( ) ) Meet Jess Beaton | Runner Up in The Hari Art Prize 2024
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Meet Jess Beaton


The Hari Art Prize, in collaboration with A Space For Art has become an integral part of The Hari London’s annual rolling art programme, celebrating the global roster of artistic talent attracted to London.

In 2024, from a list of over 800 applicants, a short list of 21 artists were chosen by an elite panel of judges overseen by Dr. Aron Harilela, CEO and Chairman of Harilela Hotels Ltd. The three finalists were announced at a VIP award event at The Hari in November 2024. Runner up, Jess Beaton was presented with a £1,000 cash prize, kindly donated by The Hari’s CEO and Chairman, Dr. Aron Harilela.

Read all about her below…

Tell us a little bit about yourself?


I’m a current Fine Art student at Loughborough University in my final year. My practice explores the concept of sensory communication through a continuous process of paper cutting. The work is made from tiny pieces of spike-like paper which are cut and hand painted with watercolours to achieve a vibrant colour palette. The overall aim with my artwork is to share a detailed representation of molecular forms while exploring illusion as a way of expressing depth of colour and vibrancy.

Could you tell us about your overall experience participating in The Hari Art Prize?

Participating in The Hari Art Prize has been amazing. The experience of exhibiting my work in London has been so exciting for a newly emerging artist and meeting loads of new people within the art world has been so interesting. As a young artist, I have felt the support with getting my work out in the world for others to see has been wonderful.

Where did you hear about the competition?

I heard about The Hari Art Prize through an email with my University, showcasing what events and competitions are available to us. I felt it was important to enter to give me new experiences to set me up for when I leave University.

How did you feel becoming a runner up in The Hari Art Prize?


When my name got announced as a runner up I couldn’t quite believe it as I was so inexperienced compared to other shortlisted artists. I felt so excited that my practice was recognised and that people loved my work as much as I do.

What is the story behind your winning piece?

My winning piece ‘Cardamine’ was completed within my second year of University and is the first large scale paper cut I had ever done. It is an abstracted microscopic representation of a bittercresses plant, showing the hidden layers of nature. This was the piece that started new ideas and progressed me towards my degree show.

What are your thoughts on the other pieces shortlisted?

All the shortlisted pieces are amazing, with such a variety of mediums and techniques. I specifically love the piece ‘eng lis’. The intricate technique of embossing on aluminium is something I had never seen before and showing how a small piece of work can have such a big impact really inspired me.

What do you plan to do with the prize money?


The prize money will go towards any degree show costs, specifically canvases and paper. My plans after University are still uncertain, but the money will really help me out with starting out as a new artist in the art world.

Are there any upcoming projects you want to talk to us about?

My University’s degree show is in June and I am currently planning for that. I’m hoping to make large scale pieces using the same technique as ‘Cardamine’. Although this will be extremely time consuming, I hope this project will have a big impact on the viewers.

Would you recommend The Hari Art Prize and encourage others to enter next year? If so, why?

I definitely encourage others to enter The Hari Art Prize next year, especially younger artists. Even if you don’t think you are good enough to apply, you will gain experiences along the way and never know what may happen. I am grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend it to others.

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