Anna-Maria Desogus Memorial Award

ANNA-MARIA DESOGUS MEMORIAL AWARD - Brighton University 3D Design & Craft

I set up the Anna-Maria Desogus Memorial Award in 2010 with a focus on enterprising and innovative 3-D design. A close friend, Anna lost her fight with cancer on 9 February 2008. Anna was due to meet Tracey Emin the week before she died.

It is an honour to work closely with Anna’s family and the Brighton University to choose two prize-winners annually.

“This award is a special thing; both in the way that it honours and keeps alive the memory of an artist and friend, and in the inspiration it gives to the receiver. I have seen some great makers and artists receive the award and it’s a pleasure to be counted! Thank you Jehane.” Dan Howey, Prizewinner 2020.

Anna-Maria Desogus (1968 - 2008)

Anna captured the essence of a beautiful woman. With Italian roots, her sense of style was innate. I first met Anna in 1996 when we exhibited our art together at the Spring Fair in Birmingham. Anna was teaching Art to the lifers at Winsom Green at the time, a job which she did for 10 years. With an MA in 3-D Ceramics (Carmarthan) she inspired the in-mates to make furniture and exhibit their work in local galleries. She founded a highly successful company ZI Interiors where she incorporated her own 3-D designs and furniture.

Read Anna’s Obituary in The Guardian by Dee Edwards.

Brighton University 3-D Design & Craft BA (Hons) - awarded annually since 2011.

Two prizes are awarded annually by myself and Anna's family for a Graduate & 2nd Year student. We are grateful to the University for their generosity in inviting us to be personally involved and select winners every year. The criteria reflect Anna’s qualities; making a strong visual statement: using innovative and creative consideration of materials, exploring subject matter or form: thinking ‘outside the box’: showing social awareness.

With thanks to Jem Ryan and Alma Boyes for their ongoing support of this award.

2023 PRIZE-WINNERS

Level 6 - GRADUATE - Prize-winners  

GRADUATE AWARD Fe Stevens (2023), Bronte Simpson-Little (2020), Laila Laurel (2019), Luke Fuller (2018), Iona Aitchison (2017), Isabella Stone-Wilson (2016).

Level 5 - 2nd YEAR - Prize-winners  

2ND YEAR AWARD Caroline Bennett (2023), Dan Howey (2020), Bronte Simpson-Little (2019), Rosie Tweedale (2018), Luke Fuller (2017), Darwin Simmonds (2016), Veega Tankun (2015), Aphrodite Theochari (2014), Erlina Beare Gottison (2013), Stephanie Holmes (2012), and Stephanie Iles (2011).

Level 6 - GRADUATE - Highly Commended

GRADUATE AWARD: Tesni Callenig-Smith (2023), Ollie John (2020), Ava Vaughan (2019), Jemima Bellamy (2018), Jack Scott (2017)

Level 5 - 2nd Year - Highly Commended

2ND YEAR AWARD: Helene McCarthy (2023), Immy Gray (2020), Ollie John (2019), Chris Pearce (2018), Zoe Rae (2017), Nedine Luke (2016), Nathan Lisher (2015), Alexi Simmons (2014), Tsuwan Hsieh (2013), Josh Bitelli, (2012)

Catturando l'essenza della bella donna' - Capturing the Essence of a Beautiful Woman

Anna’s legacy is of visual and courageous statements. Pushing the boundaries in both life and Art.