CSULB Student Named Top 40 Finalist in Prestigious National Competition

CSULB art student Derick Edwards is officially one of 40 finalists to compete for the sixth edition of the AXA Art Prize 2023 Exhibition. A national accolade for undergraduate and graduate artists, AXA receives an eclectic mix of works like figurative paintings, drawings, and prints. His piece, Rated M (2022), is now a featured competitor among a list of works that will go on display in November at an in-person show at the New York Academy of Art. The Beach is proud of Edwards’ exemplary work and endeavors to secure a spot in one of the nation’s most prestigious art competitions. 

Out of 700 submissions from 203 different schools, Edwards’ work was one of the few selected and evaluated by regional jurors from the prize’s Strategic Advisory Board. The finalists already underwent two structured rounds of jurying and now await the last round – the Prize Jury. In this third and final phase, three prominent artists will review the 40 submissions and select a first and second place winner. First place will receive the grand prize of $10,000, and second place will win $5,000. An extraordinary talent, Edwards will represent The Beach throughout this rigorous deliberation process this fall.

Founded in 2017, the insightful AXA Art Prize has become an official overview of the best new talent in the nation. Its sole purpose is to support emerging artists and give them the platform, exposure, and opportunities to flourish. Applicants are required to be enrolled in a degree-granting program as an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in studio art. The prize is brought to us by AXA XL, an insurance provider that secures some of the world’s most acclaimed galleries, dealers, and art collections. An established patron, AXA XL continues to champion initiatives designed to uplift and celebrate emerging talent worldwide. 

Rated M conveys emotion, impact, and identity through its unique and immersive expression. CSULB’s College of the Arts proudly recognizes talent and calibrates opportunities for our students to follow their dreams beyond the classroom. Edwards is a notable example and result of the immaculate commitment that COTA staff and faculty pour into their students. 

To learn more about the AXA Art Prize, visit their website.

For a comprehensive list of finalists and their works, visit the website’s online gallery.