On the first Thursday of September 2014, as the art world woke up from a sleepy summer, CNB Gallery threw one of its biggest events of the year, the HIX Award Party! Cask Liquid Marketing provided refreshing HOBO Craft Lager and a delicious punch using Colonel Fox’s dry gin. The night kicked off with Harriet Verney on the Decks setting a fun and lively mood that would continue throughout the night.
As the HIX Award finalists poured in along with family and friends, HIX Award judges, gallerists, artists and critics joined in the celebrations. In the hot gallery, the suspense was building up with everyone eager to find out who the winner was. Tracey Emin arrived followed by a gaggle of eager fans who had been cooling off outside.
The music turned off and Gallery Director Rebecca Lidert introduced Mark and Tracey who were to present the prizes to the winner and runners up. 3rd place went to Theodoulos Polyviou who’s twisted piece Supporting Grab Rail had intrigued the judges as Steve Edge said “it demonstrates the difficulties people go through daily when living with a disability”. 2nd place went to Karl Singporewala who was also voted for on Facebook as the ‘People’s Winner’. He creates intricately crafted sculpture based on islamic architecture and design. His piece M is for Monument was highly regarded, impressing with his technical ability and concept.
When it came time to announce the winner, the room fell to a dead silence as Tracey Emin opened the envelope containing the winner’s name. “Felix Treadwell!” A huge cheer came from the corner of the room where the timid Felix was standing surrounded by a group of friends. His piece Happy was a hot favourite amongst the judges being awarded the most with a 10/10 he is a very well deserved winner, I am sure you will all agree.
During studying at Camberwell University he took a year to study at Kyoto Seika Universtity in Japan. His work has been heavily influenced by his experiences abroad with Artlyst’s CEO Paul Robinson describing his work as “Julian Opie crossed with Hello Kitty”.