The British artist Denzil Forrester has been named the recipient of the prestigious Robson Orr TenTen Award for 2024, as announced by the Government Art Collection. His new work was unveiled of his new work at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, marking a significant moment in the artist’s celebrated career.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I’d like to congratulate Denzil Forrester, this year’s winning artist for The Robson Orr Ten Ten Award.
“Inspired by the 70s and 80s reggae and dub nightclubs of his youth, his print depicts the UK’s unrivalled music scene in a vibrant, upbeat and unique style. I look forward to seeing how the sale of his works will help raise funds to support emerging or under-represented UK artists and drive opportunity in all regions.”
The Government Art Collection presents the Robson Orr TenTen Award, sponsored by leading philanthropists Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr.
Every year, a British artist is commissioned to create a unique, limited-edition print. 15 editions of the print are displayed in government buildings around the world, while 11 are sold, and funds are used to support underrepresented artists by purchasing their art.
This year’s winning artist is Denzil Forrester, whose print “Altar” was created for the Government Art Collection and depicts a scene from a reggae festival in Cornwall, where the artist now lives and works. Forrester is best known for his vibrant works immortalising the London reggae and dub nightclub scene during the early 1980s.
The 10-year award scheme was launched in 2018, and previous winners include Hurvin Anderson (2018), Tacita Dean (2019), Yinka Shonibare (2020), Lubaina Himid (2021), Rachel Whiteread (2022), and Michael Armitage (2023).
Artist Denzil Forrester commented: “The print for the Government Art Collection celebrates Cornwall nightlife. I’ve shown how light and sound distort the space and used an aerial view to watch the scene unfold from above. So it incorporates much of what I use in my paintings and the brilliant light of Cornwall.”
Born in Grenada in 1956, Denzil Forrester moved to London in 1967. He received a BA in Fine Art from the Central School of Art, London, in 1979 and an MA in Fine Art from the Royal College of Art, London, in 1983. In 2021, Forrester was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s New Year Honours list. Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and New York represent him.
Eliza Gluckman, Director of Government Art Collection, added: “Working on this commission with Denzil in our seventh year of the Robson Orr TenTen Award has been such a pleasure. Collaborating with printmaker Simon Marsh, he’s created a four-plate etching that creates a palpable beat to the thronging dancefloor. For the Collection, the print celebrates the diversity of the UK music scene and brings a joyous new work to the walls of government buildings worldwide.”
Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr said: “We are delighted to have supported the beautiful print Denzil Forrester has created for this year’s iteration of TenTen, which celebrates the impact of music and dance. Denzil’s work is an incredible addition to our ten-year project and the Government Art Collection. We cannot wait to encounter his print in British government buildings and embassies worldwide and see it playing its role in promoting British art and culture globally.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Collection and to support its ambitious schools programme inspired by TenTen.”