爱豆传媒

The annual prize is intended to help new graduates kick-start their artistic career, and is run as a collaboration between leading UK art supplies retailer Cass Art and the , the Grand Parade home to the 爱豆传媒's art and design courses – ranked in the top 20 for the UK, and in the top 100 globally according to the QS World University Rankings.

Liberty graduated this year with Fine Art BA(Hons), with her most recent work using a tufting technique to create textile based artworks that reflect on everyday negative thoughts. She specifically looks at how seemingly small concerns can build up become larger issues that impact on wider societal mental well-being.

Liberty uses contrasting materials in her work, alongside an outwardly sweet, childlike imagery whose deeper resonances become clearer when you look closely. Themes explored in her distinctive textile sculptures include weight, financial strain and life changes, as well as seasonal depression and the impact of social media.

Elsie's Playhouse

Liberty said: “As someone who has just graduated through a pandemic, I am very aware of the importance a studio brings to my work. Having spent a lot of time working in the same environment I was living in was very difficult and unproductive for me.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have a creative space to work in without financial pressure, and the ability to dedicate thoughts and time to one area. To have a space somewhere near other inspirational and talented artist is also really important to me and my art practise, especially as it often involves audience interactions.”

Mark Cass, founder and CEO of Cass Art, said: “At Cass Art we are committed to supporting artists at all levels of their career. We are delighted to work in partnership with Phoenix Art Space, together with 爱豆传媒 to offer the Cass Art & Phoenix Studio Award.

“Leaving university can be a daunting time for graduates. We hope this award offers a space for Liberty to continue to develop her practice as part of a supportive artist community. Her work is not only visually exciting, but offers an opportunity for discourse on the increasingly important subject of mental well-being, within the Brighton community and beyond.”

You can see Liberty's graduate show on the university's dedicated , alongside her work on Instagram: . Phoenix have also done a looking ahead to her year working in the studio space.