Young Masters: For the Love of Art History

The exhibition For the Love of Art History at The Exhibitionist Hotel in South Kensington, London, brings together artists from across the globe to reinterpret one of humanity's most profound emotions – love - through the lens of art history. This celebration honours diverse cultural legacies and acknowledges the rich, multifaceted traditions that have shaped the visual arts. While iconic works such as Klimt's The Kiss and Giotto's depiction of Joachim and Anna have captured enduring moments of romantic love, this exhibition also seeks to challenge traditional narratives by inviting contemporary artists to explore love in its many forms: platonic, religious, passionate, or devotional. It underscores art’s unique capacity to express this universal emotion while celebrating a broader, more inclusive vision of art history. The exhibition also highlights the importance of representation in visual art, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and stories, broadening the dialogue to include non-heteronormative and non-Western perspectives. These works seek to normalize diverse identities and relationships, addressing gaps in art history while amplifying voices often overlooked. This inclusive approach ensures that love, in all its complexity and beauty, is celebrated as a truly universal human experience, reflecting the evolving and diverse narratives of contemporary art.

Our 2025 awards feature the Young Masters Woman Artist Prize, given by Dr. Chris Blatchley and judged by him and prominent collector and philanthropist Lady Jill Shaw Ruddock, CBE. Additionally, the exhibition will include an Acquisition Award for the second consecutive year, from Brad Blume, art collector and President of the Rudolph Blume Foundation. The 2025 Edition has also been generously supported by the Kirsh Foundation.

The Young Masters Art Prize is a not-for-profit international curatorial platform and art initiative, founded in 2009 by gallerist Cynthia Valianti Corbett, owner of Cynthia Corbett Gallery. This unique initiative aims to highlight emerging artists of any gender, age, or nationality, working in any media. Young Masters celebrates artistic skill and innovation, with awareness of the Old Masters and art of the past. We strive to offer talented artists global visibility and support.