Winners of the Allan Taylor Art and Photography Competition
St Antony’s College is delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Allan Taylor Art and Photography Competition.
The competition, established in memory of former Bursar Allan Taylor, celebrates the creativity of the College’s student community and offers an opportunity for students to contribute to the visual environment of the College through original artwork and photography.
This year’s theme, ‘Unapologetically global’, inspired a wide range of responses from across the College community. Following judging by artist and exhibition curator Professor Christopher Dorsett and internationally acclaimed photographer Rory Carnegie, two overall winners were selected.
The winner of the Art category is Akida Ainiwaer for The Will (2023), an oil painting inspired by the Dolan people within the Uyghur community. The work celebrates and honours the cultural heritage of the Dolan people, drawing on their history of resilience, creativity and deep connection to the land, while exploring themes of dignity, belonging and self-determination.
The winner of the Photography category is Jan Huebel for Monster Building, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong (2024). The photograph depicts the iconic residential complex in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, which has been home to more than 10,000 residents since the early 1970s. Through its depiction of the building’s immense scale, the work invites reflection on urban density and on how the description of a home as a “monster building” might shape residents’ sense of identity and agency.
The shortlisted entries are now on display in the Hilda Besse Building, showcasing the breadth of creative talent within the St Antony’s student body.
You can read about each shortlisted entry here.
The winners were announced at a special drinks reception, with their certificates presented by Rosalind Taylor.
Professor Christopher Dorsett said:
‘I’ve known that there has been a thriving art club at St Antony’s for sometime. Now the college has launched the Allan Taylor Art and Photography Competition, which is a great initiative. With this development, artistic interests need not be sidelined by educational choices, nor lack opportunities for peer-group recognition.
Furthermore, the competition features specific themes, the first of which is ‘Unapologetically Global’, a concept that allows the competitors to be unrepentent about the all-encompassing significance of their medium. This is exactly what comes across, and we should all look forward to seeing the submitted paintings displayed on the college walls.’
Rory Carnegie said:
‘When I heard that the theme for the competition was ‘Unapologetically Global’ , I immediately warmed to the project. Photographs from all over the World which was wonderful. A great show!’
Professor Roger Goodman, Warden of St Antony’s College, said:
‘Congratulations to Akida and Jan, and to all those whose work was shortlisted. The quality and diversity of the entries demonstrated the remarkable creativity that exists within our student community. We are especially pleased that this competition honours the memory of Allan Taylor, whose contribution to St Antony’s helped shape the College we know today. It is a fitting legacy that his name will continue to support creativity, expression and community for generations of students to come.’
The Allan Taylor Art and Photography Competition was made possible through a generous donation from the Taylor family. Allan Taylor served as Bursar of St Antony’s from 2001 to 2011 and played a central role in securing the College’s long-term financial stability. The competition will be held annually in his memory, supporting creativity, expression and community at the heart of College life.
