The Isle of Wight’s largest arts centre, Quay Arts, has revealed the winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Biennial OPEN Exhibition ‘SOFT’, with Island artist Joshua Raffell claiming first prize and Zixiang Zhang securing second place.
The competition showcases emerging and established artists exploring themes of tenderness, vulnerability and tactile experience.
Interactive installation takes top prize
Joshua Raffell, a multidisciplinary artist, has won first prize with his ambitious piece ‘Nonsuch Memory Of My Birth’.
The work presents an interactive installation that examines the artist’s relationship with his mother, combining ceramic and yarn with a wall-mounted video featuring a poem written and performed by Joshua himself.
Joshua’s practice draws from deeply personal experiences, channelling what he describes as “raw emotion, roughly hewn from the broken heart of non-conformity.”
His work weaves together elements of shame and hidden thoughts alongside bold gestures, confidence and vibrant colour palettes.
Artist champions radical art
The winning artist draws inspiration from unconventional sources, finding creative fuel in divergence from societal norms.
Joshua explains,
“I take inspiration from the crossover of divergence and uniqueness, from what someone has decided is ‘normal’.”
He adds,
“I allow my work to be radical questioning shame, power and repression, especially class and sexuality, positioning his practice as deliberately provocative and socially engaged.”
Upon receiving his award, Joshua expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead,
“Thank you so much for this exciting opportunity. Looking forward to outraging and delighting in equal measure.”
Fungal Networks earn second place
Zixiang Zhang secured second prize for her compelling piece ‘After the Remains II’, which explores the delicate relationship between waste and renewal through textiles and living fungal networks.
The work evokes fossilised remnants and underground ecosystems, revealing hidden worlds where decay becomes the foundation for new growth.
Zixiang’s multidisciplinary approach creates installations that speak to environmental cycles and transformation, presenting viewers with buried landscapes where destruction and regeneration coexist.
Recognition and future opportunities
Zixiang expressed surprise and gratitude at receiving the recognition,
“I am truly surprised and deeply honoured to receive the second prize of a Clayden Gallery exhibition at Quay Arts.
“I am very delighted to accept the award with appreciation.”
She continued,
“This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am excited about the opportunity ahead.”
Exhibition plans take shape
Both winners will receive substantial support from Quay Arts to present solo exhibitions. Joshua will showcase his work in a solo West Gallery exhibition scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, whilst Zixiang will present her practice in the Clayden Gallery during the same period.
The 2025 Biennial OPEN Exhibition ‘SOFT’ continues Quay Arts’ commitment to supporting contemporary artists and providing platforms for innovative artistic expression that challenges conventional boundaries.
