Art for Change: Meet the Judges for the Americas

This year’s prize asks emerging artists to submit work in response to the theme ‘Regeneration’, bringing the opportunity to create new stories of a liveable future and motivate people to do what it takes to be a driving force for the change we need. 

Six winners from around the world will be decided by some of the best business and creative minds from the M&C Saatchi Group globally and eminent guest judges. 

In this Art for Change series, we hear from our regional judges. Find out what makes them tick artistically, why this year’s theme is so critical, and what they are looking for in our winners.

Introducing our judges for the Americas: Lucas Crigler, creative director at SS+K, Part of M&C Saatchi Group, Nicholas Rotondi, executive creative director at M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment North America, Mickey Smith, conceptual artist and photographer

Q> If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Lucas> To take away the pain from those who are sick and dying. 

Nicholas> Captain Planet. Climate justice + fantastic jewellery. That, or it’d be super cool to know what all the buttons I’ve never clicked in InDesign do. It’s a bird / it’s a plane / it’s Adobe Suite Man!

Mickey> Considering I’ve just stepped off a gruelling flight from London to Auckland via Hong Kong… The ability to fly. Better yet, teleport. 

Q> How would you sum up your job in three words?

Lucas> Sledgehammer. Rubix cube. Chocolate cake.

Nicholas> Ideas. Ideas. Ideas

Mickey> Interpret. Create. Provoke.

Q> Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Lucas> Within every human relationship and interaction there lies inspiration to be discovered. And anything else that evokes an emotion or causes me to think deeply about something. Music, art, poetry, philosophies… even exposing myself to ideologies I may not agree with. 

Nicholas> Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere 

Mickey> Writer Louis Menand described my process best, “The artist was on library safari.” Last week I photographed a pristine 15th century chained library in England. Next week, looking for the right words in a used bookshop in Auckland. Come August, getting back on a long-haul flight to work on new sculptural works from a deaccessioned university collection in Minnesota. I hunt for inspiration everywhere, but the best kind of inspiration is the kind that sneaks up from behind when I’m not looking.

Q> Why did you agree to judge this year’s Art for Change Prize?

Lucas> I’m always thirsty for more creative inspiration.

Nicholas> The 'Everywhere' answer to the last question wasn’t a joke 😊 – I love any opportunity to explore the work of different artists and creators. But I’m also here because art is unparalleled in its ability to deliver public statements and community support. We all (hopefully) remember Keith Haring’s 'Crack is Whack' mural. This prize is really just about generating more projects like that. 

Mickey> It is essential to have artists represented in cultural leadership, particularly on decision making panels.

Q> This year’s theme is ‘Regeneration’. Why do you think this theme is so important?

Lucas> Because art drives change and motivates people to take action by eliciting profound emotions. These actions are what the future of our planet depends on.

Nicholas> There are approximately eleventy billion reasons human beings need to be more conscious about sustainability, so I’ll stick to its impact on creativity. Let me put it this way: imagine trying to cook a plate of perfectly al dente pasta when meeting your in-laws for the first time, except the kitchen is on fire. This year’s Art for Change prize is about the role artistic creativity can play in human beings collaborating to build a better relationship with Mother Nature instead of constantly conspiring against her. Piping up / down in the inter-species international brainstorm if you will. Earth is everyone’s studio space - stop f***ing it up and put the pencils back in the writing utensils drawer! Kk, I’m analogied out.  

Mickey> The world is on fire and under water. We must do more, and as artists, we have a unique platform to draw attention to social and cultural issues.

Q> If you could have your portrait painted by one artist from art history, who would it be?

Lucas> Andy Warhol 

Nicholas> My nephew Strider. Regeneration is about the future - I’m trying to help put out the aforementioned kitchen fire so he can break some eggs. 

Mickey> Klimt in his golden era or Picasso in the blue period. 

Q> You’re judging entries for the Americas. What will you be looking for as a judge?

Lucas> I’d like to see themes of hope and transformation. I’m interested to see any of the artists breathe beauty and life into something broken and decaying.

Nicholas> Loyalty to the brief and creativity in execution. But really just looking for the magic of when creative people lean entirely into themselves. 

Mickey> Work that is fearless, conceptually and visually compelling.

Q> Do you think art can create meaningful change?

Lucas> Yes, of course.

Nicholas> The pressure is on everyone to create meaningful change - not just artists. But art certainly don’t hurt.

Mickey> Clearly. Throughout the course of humanity art has been a catalyst for change. We can’t stop now.