Jury Panel 2025

We are proud to announce the 2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Jury Panel, comprising influential figures in the art world, including gallerists, curators, artists, and commercial and philanthropic arts champions. Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Co-Founders Danijela Krha Purssey & Richard Purssey, Owners & Directors of Haven Gallery, Erica Berkowitz & Joseph Weinreb; representatives from our major sponsors, and five esteemed contemporary artists: Jana Brike, Annie Murphy-Robinson, Nicolas Bruno, Amber Cowan & Matthew Stone, along with Gallery Owner & Curator Vicki Fox. Each Jury member excels in their field of expertise and is making waves around the world with their exceptional work. Get your work in-front of this respected Jury Panel, enter today.

2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Jury Panel

Painting Category

JANA BRIKE // Artist
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Jana Brike was born in year 1980 in Riga, Latvia.

She has studied academical painting in the Art Academy of Latvia and received M.A. degree in year 2005.

Her work has been exhibited internationally in professional venues since 1996 while she was still a young teenager, and since then she has had 15 solo exhibitions and more than100 other projects and group exhibitions all over the world.

Her main interest is visual art with a strong narrative and depiction of a figure, mostly using the traditional medium of oil painting on canvas. She has also explored other mediums like drawing, animation, mixed media sculpture, installation and digital art.

The main focus of Jana Brike’s art is the internal space and state of a human soul – dreams, longing, love, pain, the vast range of emotions that human condition offers and the transcendence of them all, the growing up and self-discovery. Her work is her poetic visual auto-biography.

Drawing Category

ANNIE MURPHY ROBINSON // Artist
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Figurative artist Annie Murphy Robinson has a BFA from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (94) and an MA from Sacramento State University (2002). She has taught high school art for the past 20 years, as well as teaching the sanding technique to adults. Annie has been exhibiting since 2003, both nationally and internationally, with her work collected by the MEAM in Barcelona, in the Art Renewal Center in New York as well as the IBEX collection.

The labour-intensive technique which she now exclusively uses involves sanding charcoal into paper as she draws to create incredibly fine details. Working mainly with her two daughters, Annie’s work is about that space of youth where “magic” unfolds. She defines identity through experimentation such as the clothing, gaze and the pose, among other things, as well as the relationship with animals and the magic that happens in that connection.

At the emotional level, Annie’s main focus is to convey truth and honesty, closely followed by the concept of beauty: aching, haunting and desirable. “For me, the only absolute truth I know is of myself and my children. This truth is filtered through a lens of my own experience, often being bittersweet and questioning. My work allows the viewer to glimpse a private world of the female – hesitant, insecure, and often unaware of the power that they hold.”

Photography Category

NICOLAS BRUNO // Photographer
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Nicolas Bruno is an artist based in Northport, New York, where he creates surreal self-portraiture inspired by terrifying experiences with sleep paralysis. Through photography, sculpture, and costume design, Bruno uses art as a therapy to transform his nightmares into works of art.

Bruno is the creator of The Somnia Tarot, a seventy-eight image series that retells the classic story of tarot through surreal photography. This year, Bruno’s The Somnia Oracle Series deck was successfully funded through crowdfunding and will launch in Summer 2025.

Bruno exhibits his artworks internationally and is an advocate for environmental conservation, art education, and mental health awareness.

Sculpture Category

AMBER COWAN  // Artist
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Amber Cowan’s sculptural glass work is based around the use of recycled, upcycled, and second-life American pressed glass and industrial scrap. She uses the process of flameworking, hot-sculpting and glassblowing to create sculptures that overwhelm the viewer with ornate abstraction and viral accrual. Her work incorporates collected antique glass elements that are used to activate and animate the material into a visual story of historic objects through a contemporary lens.

Cowan lives and works in Philadelphia where she received an MFA in Glass from Tyler School of Art and Architecture of Temple University. She has been a faculty member of the Tyler Glass Department since 2011. Cowan was awarded the 2023 Delphi Award from The Smithsonian Women’s Committee, a 2021 United States Artists Fellowship in Crafts and was the recipient of the 2014 Rakow Commission from The Corning Museum of Glass. Her September 2023 show at Heller Gallery was reviewed in The New York Times. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of over a dozen museums in the US and worldwide including The Museum of Art and Design, New York, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and The Shanghai Museum of Glass.

Digital Art Category

MATTHEW STONE // Artist
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Matthew Stone is a globally recognised neuroqueer, rural artist based in the Wye Valley, UK. His pioneering work positions digital art within the continuum of painting’s history, creating transformative spaces where the unique touch of the artist’s hand meets the infinite possibilities of digital construction. Stone’s practice, marked by signature entangled bodies, underscores their commitment to collective creativity and the deepening of human connections through both somatic and digital experiences.

After graduating first class in BA Painting from Camberwell in 2004, Stone coined the phrase “Optimism as Cultural Rebellion.” This ethos fueled their co-founding of the South London art collective !WOWOW!, a non-hierarchical creative hub pivotal in defining London’s mid-aughts youth culture. His career began with a self-organized show in an illegally squatted Camberwell shop in 2003, and their dynamic performances and exhibitions soon graced esteemed venues like ICA London (2004 & 2010), The Royal Academy (2008), Tate Britain (2008), and a solo presentation of their paintings at Somerset House (2016). In 2017, Stone’s commissioned portraits at the National Portrait Gallery celebrated notable LGBTQ+ figures. Their international presence has since expanded with solo exhibitions in Seoul, New York, LA, Cologne, and Tokyo, including artwork for FKA twigs’ acclaimed ‘Magdalene’ album in 2019.

Stone’s category-critical approach to making art spans painting, performance, writing, music, photography, and sculpture, culminating in signature pieces that meld virtual computer space with traditional painting’s forgotten virtuality. Recent key projects include “Virtual Painting” at Unit London in 2022, ‘Human in the Loop’ at Gallery COMMON in Tokyo, and a monumental work at the 2024 “Realism Now” exhibition at Museo Europeo de Arte Moderno (MEAM) in Barcelona. Continually taking creative risks, Stone innovates at the intersection of intimacy and digital technology, proposing evolved relationship models for our rapidly changing realities. Matthew charts new directions for the future of painting using what he refers to as high-speed, tangential, hyperconnected, and constellatory thinking.

Emerging Artist Category

VICKI FOX  // Gallery Owner & Curator
Quirky Fox Gallery
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Quirky Fox was established by its owner, Vicki, in 2012 as a way to escape an unfulfilling career path. Over 12 years later it has transformed into the ultimate way to escape with a gallery filled with new contemporary and representational pieces from both emerging and established artists. Vicki believes artists and galleries should work collaboratively, both benefiting from the relationship and galleries acting as guides to help people connect with works. One of her main focuses is to ensure the artists she represents feel supported and part of a community. Vicki is a staunch advocate against AI in art. She has contributed to several articles and chooses to curate an AI-free gallery with all artists choosing to avoid the use of AI at any stage of the creative process (including their initial concept design and final image).

She has worked as an online contributor to Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and worked with a number of emerging artists to navigate the gallery scene. Quirky Fox donates to an environmental or mental health charity each year through its anniversary exhibition, causes strong to Vicki’s heart.

In addition to curating and running the gallery, she works as a custom picture framer with a passion for moving away from boring white decor-friendly frames toward pieces that enhance the artwork and continue to tell the artist’s story.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine

DANIJELA KRHA PURSSEY // Editor-in-Chief & Co-Founder
Beautiful Bizarre Magazine
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Danijela Krha Purssey is an entrepreneur, and the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Australian based, international contemporary art magazine, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

She is deeply passionate and committed to her vision to help shift the paradigm in the global contemporary arts industry regarding what is defined and accepted as contemporary art.

Danijela has created a carefully curated, unique contemporary arts experience via all the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine touch points that inspires and champions emerging and mid-career creatives both locally and around the world.

Danijela founded Beautiful Bizarre Magazine in 2013 with her husband, Richard Purssey. In the 12 years since the launch of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine she has published 48 magazines, over 3,000 web articles, curated 19 exhibitions in 4 countries, launched the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, and shared the work of countless creatives from all corners of the globe to both the magazine readership and the magazines 1.9 Million + social media followers. Beautiful Bizarre Magazine has become not only an influential player in the contemporary art scene, but more importantly a voice, a tribe and platform for creatives whose work doesn’t always fit neatly into the traditional fine art “box”.

In late 2016 Danijela was awarded the prestigious AMP Foundation ‘Tomorrow Makers’ Award, and grant funding in recognition of her services to the visual arts, and to expand Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Beautiful Bizarre Magazine

RICHARD PURSSEY // Technical Director & Co-Founder
Beautiful Bizarre Magazine
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Richard Purssey is an ICT Director who is also a lifelong collector and appreciator of modern art. During the life of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Richard has interviewed some of the finest contemporary realist artists from around the world, and been intimately involved in the creation of Beautiful Bizarre as a leading voice in the world of figurative art in all mediums. He has also been closely involved with the fine arts during his time as CIO of one of Australia’s most prestigious public galleries, the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Haven Gallery

ERICA BERKOWITZ & JOSEPH WEINREB // Owners & Directors
Haven Gallery
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Haven Gallery’s focus is on exhibiting emotionally, intellectually and imaginatively driven, representational artwork that connects the audience and artist with universal axioms and passions. We work with both emerging and established artists who transcend their medium and subjects by exploring the world around them as well as the one within themselves.

Erica Berkowitz has her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Stony Brook University and her Master’s Degree in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She has worked locally on Long Island at the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Islip Art Museum and in Manhattan at established galleries in Chelsea, 5th ave, Midtown and Soho. She has been working in the art world for over fifteen years and is also a self-published author. Along with her husband, she has been collecting art for over a decade.

Joseph Weinreb has his Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from NYIT. His career has encompassed graphic and web design work for a multitude of clients. He is an established oil painter and his passions lies in creating and working with other artists.

Arts Champion | Painting

EMILIE DIETRICH // President & Creative Director
RAYMAR
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Emilie is the President and Creative Director of RAYMAR, makers of fine art painting panels used by professional artists worldwide. RAYMAR is a second generation family art supply business that has been dedicated to the craft of fine art materials since 1998.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame’s business school, Emilie worked as a foreign exchange and commodity broker with the Chicago Board of Trade. Financially successful yet creatively stifled, she left finance in search of a more artistic life and attended Parsons School of Design in NYC. In 2008, Emilie was called to carry on her father’s legacy. She then took up the reins of RAYMAR and grew the company it into what it is today.

As an artist herself, Emilie discovered the importance of good art materials to advance one’s work. Now it is her mission and passion to craft art panels with the world’s finest materials to serve as the foundation for one’s artwork. It is her hope that with the right materials, artists will be empowered to bring their creative visions to life, and ultimately add more beauty and meaning to the world.

Arts Champion | Sculpture

YASHA YOUNG // Founder
Yasha Young Projects
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With a vibrant career spanning over 25 years, Yasha Young stands at the forefront of global art and cultural innovation. She is a celebrated Senior Executive and Curator, renowned for her transformative contributions to some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions and events, including Humboldt Forum Berlin, MOMA Italy, the United Nations in New York City, Urban Nation Museum of Contemporary Art Berlin and Art Basel MCH Group.

As the visionary Founder and Executive Director of URBAN NATION Berlin (2013-2019), Yasha pioneered the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to Urban Contemporary Art, a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. Her groundbreaking work cemented the museum as a crucible for creative innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In her current role as the Concept Developer and Executive Curatorial Director at FOR_M New York City, Yasha continues to redefine cultural boundaries. Her projects, such as the empowering “Women for Women” event in Saudi Arabia and the “Imagine the Future Art Tour” in Iceland, are testaments to her dedication to harnessing art for social engagement and cultural change.

Yasha is not only a curator and an executive but also a thought leader and influencer in the arts. Her insights resonate worldwide through her public speaking engagements, including TED Talks, OMR and SXSW, where she shares her passion for art’s role in shaping societies.

An alumna of Harvard University in Museology and an Associate Professor in Art and Music Business at the Pop Academy Mannheim, Germany, Yasha’s academic background enriches her professional endeavors. Her philanthropic spirit is evident in her support for causes like the Children’s Hospice Berlin Heart and the Keep A Breast Cancer Charity Foundation.

Arts Champion | Emerging Artists

CATHERINE K. GYLLERSTROM // Collector, Art Consultant, Owner & Art Director
BearWolf Books
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Catherine K. Gyllerstrom is a Greek American art collector, consultant, and the Owner and Art Director of the independent publishing house BearWolf Books.

Her passion for Imaginative Realism and Illustration Art began at an early age and has become the foundation of her work within the arts community.  Catherine’s significant private collection spans two continents, houses numerous Chesley and Spectrum Award winning pieces, and has graced the walls of museums across the United States.

After graduating from Harvard University and while pursuing her doctorate in History at Auburn University, Catherine formulated the concept that would become BearWolf Books, a publishing house that specializes in heavily illustrated hardcovers and fine art limited editions. As Art Director, she has worked with a variety of artists and directed pieces that have appeared in the noted art annual Spectrum. Catherine also works with family offices as a consultant for their purchases of original art.

Her current project, a collection of Sheridan le Fanu’s gothic novellas, features the photography of past Beautiful Bizarre Photography Award finalist Psyché Ophiuchus. And, most recently, world-renowned artist Kinuko Y. Craft has contracted with Catherine to catalogue and sell her personal collection of illustrations that have never-before been offered to the public. Through her private and professional pursuits, Catherine remains dedicated to promoting the growth, recognition, and preservation of the creative arts.

Arts Champion | Drawing

VICTORIA OLT // Owner & Director
Victoria Olt Gallery
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Victoria Olt is a prominent artist and gallerist based in Tallinn, Estonia. As the founder of the Victoria Olt Gallery, she has become a driving force in cultivating the young art scene in Estonia while fostering a sense of community. Her gallery bridges local and international talent, elevating Estonian artists onto the global stage and bringing global perspectives to Tallinn.

Victoria’s journey in the arts began with formal studies in fine art at the University of Seville, Spain. Her career flourished in the vibrant art scenes of Madrid and Amsterdam, where she developed a deep appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. After spending the pandemic mastering paintmaking in the Caribbean, she returned to her birthplace of Estonia in late 2021 to establish her gallery and contribute to the flourishing of Estonia’s contemporary art scene.

As an artist, Victoria is renowned for her ethereal works that seamlessly blend classical realism with contemporary vibrancy. Using mixed media, her creations explore the intricacies of the human condition, offering solace and a sense of belonging in an ever-complex world. Her paintings, characterized by their emotional depth and surreal undertones, are showcased in prestigious private collections worldwide.

Beyond her artistic practice, Victoria is a passionate art collector and patron, dedicated to supporting emerging artists and advancing the arts. Her contributions and vision have cemented her as a respected figure in the art world, both in Estonia and internationally.

Arts Champion | Painting Honourable Mention

PROF. DR. ULRICH SEIBERT // Art Collector, Law Professor & Philanthropist
Seibert Collection
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Ulrich Seibert is an art collector, Facebook philosopher, business law professor, investor, actor in low-budget films, a fan of lively small talk and, as he emphasizes: “a very serious man”. He runs an art space in Berlin, Mitte for Pop Surrealism and Lowbrow where he exhibits his extensive personal art collection.

The Seibert Collection is located in a stunning apartment in the Heckmannhöfe. What you are able to see there is a far cry from what you usually get to see in Berlin or Germany. At times, the figurative, colourful and whimsical works contain comic or pop elements, or even surrealistic aspects – often combining the three – which is why they could be roughly classified as pop-surrealism or pop-comic-surrealism. Many of the artists are from the USA, with quite a few of them coming from the West Coast. While they may very well be unknown here in Germany, many of them are icons of the lowbrow art scene that originated there in the 1970s.

The dynamic of the showroom, however, does not simply live from presenting a compilation of individual images without context. Instead, it represents an installation; a total work of art consisting of paintings – quite unusual ones at that – elaborate frames that are artworks in their own right, furnishings, lighting and murals.