For the fifth NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest, 156 art works were submitted by 70 artists from around the world.  Over the course of four hours of judging, we saw many great works, reminding us of the words of the late Hitoshi Nakazato, who founded this open art contest and was the former top judge: “We shouldn’t forget the importance of art pieces which were not selected.”

This year, we had two new judges, Annette Rusin and Mark Bischel. Ms. Rusin, who has attracted attention with her annual appearances in Brooklyn’s DUMBO Festival, creates in a variety of visual media.  Mr. Bischel, who teaches at the School of Visual Arts, centers his art on solitary figures in the public spaces and the beauty of the places in which they exist.

The NY Coo Gallery Open Art Contest’s IBERICA top prize was awarded to “Beatline” and “A Pool of Meltdown” by Japanese artist Kousuke Mochizuki , who has a unique mode of expression and superb technique. His art works are exhibited internationally in Japan, Korea, Canada, Bulgaria, and Hungary. The use of black in “Beatline” and “A Pool of Meltdown” makes them resemble the sophisticated Japanese traditional crafts lacquer urushi. His art works are thought of as beyond painting and admired highly.

Bronx resident Frank Barrett’s “Sunflower-Orange Sun” and “Helianthus Annuns- Sunflowers” were awarded the NY Coo prize. Barrett studied theater arts at Illinois State University then studied at a variety of New York City art schools as well as the Vermont Studio Center. “Sunflower-Orange Sun” and “Helianthus Annuns- Sunflowers” were created with sand and tempera painting method, exuding a jaunty harmony of colors. The images return us to a calm simplicity we can almost forget in our fast digitalized world.

In addition to the two top prize winners, 22 prize winners from among the 70 contest entrants and the two judges will have their works exhibited in the show. The prize ceremony will take place during the reception. NY Coo Gallery thanks all who submitted.

We appreciate the sponsorship of All Nippon Airways (ANA).