Newbury artist’s work a hit with former England footballer Tony Adams and ‘H’ from Steps

LENKA Daviesova is an abstract artist from Newbury. She creates mixed media abstract artwork centred around her personal philosophy of finding beauty in all that is imperfect and impermanent. She believes that imperfections are the main catalyst for change and progress.

Born in Czechoslovakia, she has been a UK resident for the past 20 years.

Three of her works were recently selected for ING’s Discerning Eye Annual Exhibition 25th Edition at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries: Eternal Ties - Whispers Of Heritage I, II and IV.

A “huge honour for any artist,” she says. “And I feel very fortunate to have been selected by a panel comprising a number of renowned collectors, artists and curators.”

The exhibition was indeed curated by a star-studded panel of selectors, with former England footballer Tony Adams and singer ‘H’ from Steps formed part of the celebrity panel.

Out of 6,500 entries, 628 artworks by 387 creatives were shortlisted to be shown and sold at the Mall Galleries between November 17 and 26 and online until December 31.

When he isn’t performing as part of the pop group Steps, Ian H. Watkins paints expressive landscapes. He said of this year’s competition: “When I paint, a little part of me is released into the world so I know how it feels to be ‘judged’. I’ve been blown away by the talent and diversity in this year’s competition.”

The six selectors - two artists, two collectors and two critics - spent days whittling down the artworks entered for the open competition and exhibition. On the show’s opening night on Thursday, November 16, almost £15,000 worth of prizes were awarded to artists, including the ING Purchase Prize of £5,000.

Tony Adams said: “It was a harder enterprise than I had imagined - looking through the 6,000+ outstanding entries, although a thoroughly enjoyable one.

“Congratulations to all the artists and thanks to ING for sponsoring this event for more than 25 years.”

Growing up in a creative family of five, Lenka was surrounded by artists, designers, architects and photographers. The family created everything, designing and building their own houses, gardens and interiors and filling them with their own art.

The family's philosophy was if it doesn’t exist, design it and create it yourself, driving Lenka to develop a love of colour and textures, which are now conveyed through her artwork.

Visit https://www.discerningeye.org/ to see Lenka’s work, along with the others in the exhibition, online.