Art for Change: Meet the Winner for the UK

UK Winning entry - ‘The Garden of Dried Roses’ by Natasha Botelho Cook

Global creative solutions company M&C Saatchi Group, in partnership with London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery, present the six winners of their annual international art initiative for emerging artists, the Art for Change Prize.

With the concept of Art for Change in mind, this year’s climate focused prize invited emerging artists from around the world to explore one of the most urgent issues of our time and creatively respond to the theme ‘Regeneration’. The six winning artworks open a conversation to examine the theme from different global perspectives, look to create new stories of a liveable future, and empower individuals and entities to act. It’s a call to action for meaningful change, recognising that there’s no art on a dead planet.

Selected from over 3,000 entries from 130 countries worldwide, our six winners were 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 the winners for 2023.

The Art for Change Prize will return in Spring 2024.

Q> Describe yourself in 3 emojis.

Natasha> 🥀🎨🫀

Q> Why did you apply for the Art for Change Prize?

Natasha> Upon discovering the Art for Change Prize, I felt a genuine connection to this year's theme of regeneration, which closely aligns with my artistic practice. Taking a chance on it, I thought why not give it a shot! I'm sincerely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this year's exhibition. It's truly humbling to share my work among such inspiring fellow winners. 

Q> Can you tell us more about where you are from and how this affects your work?

Natasha> As a dual national citizen of both America and Brazil, residing in London for the past six years, I've observed the polarisations in my home countries and globally. The current state of our world, marked by the impact of climate change, motivates me as an artist to foster connections and empathy through my work. The weight of the climate crisis, witnessed through events like wildfires in California and deforestation in Brazil, significantly influences my creative process. I aspire to minimise waste in my artistic endeavours.

Q> Tell us about your winning artwork and the relationship to this year’s theme ‘Regeneration’

Natasha> I would describe 'The Garden of Dried Roses' mainly as an exploration of memory, time, and environmental consciousness. By pushing the boundaries of traditional painting through the repurposing of torn oil paintings with UV-printed digital images and the infusion of personal poems, the installation creates an immersive experience. At its core is the concept of regeneration, utilising dead-stock materials and discarded paintings to symbolise life's ephemeral nature and humanity's impact on the ocean. The pervasive red colour palette underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, emphasising the theme of the 'body' and human impact. I believe in art's power to catalyse change, foster interconnectedness, and inspire empathy. Through the interactive nature of the installation, I invite the audience to walk through, explore intricacies, and freely touch the art, challenging the notion of art as exclusive or elitist. It's an invitation to experience a space of regeneration and reflection, and I hope it prompts viewers to connect with their own experiences.

Q> Where do you find your inspiration?

Natasha> I find inspiration in the present state of the world. I see humanity as sitting at the intersection of technology and nature. The contrasts and blending of these dichotomies fascinate me and inspires me to explore what it means to be human in today’s context. I look at everyday moments and sharing human experiences. I aim to be vulnerable in my approach.

Q> Do you believe that art has the power to change the world?

Natasha> I believe in art as a language and a tool for sharing and recording history and moments. It has a unique ability to explain and represent perspectives viscerally, which I think inspires profound understanding like nothing else, so I do think it can be truly transformative.

Q> If you could be compared to one artist from art history, who would it be?

Natasha> Comparing myself to artists I admire is challenging as there are so many and they all have contributed significantly! However, I am forever inspired by Louise Bourgeois for her honesty and vulnerability, and Magdalena Abakanowicz for her profound connection to humanity and nature.

Q> What’s your dream for the future?

Natasha> Honestly, my ultimate dream is to continue dedicating my life to the privilege of making art. I envision a future where the world is more connected, empathetic, and has found sustainable ways to nurture the Earth we call home.