#United States #Salt Lake City #UMOCA #Catherine Doctorow #Elizabeth Malaska

Elizabeth Malaska Wins 2025 Catherine Doctorow Prize for Contemporary Painting

In a significant announcement made on April 15, 2025, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) revealed that the esteemed Catherine Doctorow Prize for Contemporary Painting has been awarded to Elizabeth Malaska, an artist hailing from Portland, Oregon. This honor reflects Malaska's innovative contributions to the contemporary art scene, encompassing rich, layered narratives through her artistic expressions.

About the Prize

The Catherine Doctorow Prize, which comes with a $15,000 unrestricted cash award and a solo exhibition at UMOCA slated from September 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, is a biennial recognition for artists who delve deep into the practice of painting, transcending conventional boundaries. Jared Steffensen, the Curator of Exhibitions at UMOCA, expressed immense pride in selecting Malaska, stating, "We look forward to sharing her thoughtful and emotionally resonant paintings with our Utah community."

Malaska's Artistic Vision

Malaska's artistic works intricately explore themes of protection, vulnerability, and transformation, using symbolic imagery alongside mythological references. Her paintings offer a delicate balance between clarity and abstraction, resulting in dreamlike compositions that stimulate introspection. This ability to blend various elements into a unified whole is a testament to her talent as an artist and her commitment to exploring complex emotions and experiences.

Recognition and Accomplishments

Born in 1978, Elizabeth Malaska boasts an impressive educational background, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Her accolades include being a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, receiving the 2022 Betty Bowen Award, and obtaining funding from the Joan Mitchell Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation. Additionally, some of her works are part of the permanent collections at prestigious institutions such as the Seattle Art Museum and the Portland Art Museum.

Suzanne Larson, daughter of the late Catherine Doctorow, remarked on the award, emphasizing the prize's mission to celebrate artists who push the boundaries of painting. Her family's dedication to remaining supportive of emerging artists ensures that the prize continues to help recognize and uplift exceptional talent within the art community.

Looking Ahead

The Catherine Doctorow Prize stands out as one of the few national accolades honoring achievements in contemporary painting, showcasing UMOCA's commitment to supporting artists at crucial junctures in their careers. Malaska's forthcoming exhibition is expected to attract considerable attention, giving audiences a unique opportunity to engage with her work and the powerful narratives it embodies. As the art world increasingly acknowledges the importance of emotional depth and introspection, Malaska's contributions resonate strongly within the contemporary landscape, inspiring both viewers and aspiring artists alike.

This recognition is not only a significant milestone in Elizabeth Malaska's career but also serves as an encouraging reminder of the vital role that contemporary painting plays in fostering dialogue and reflection in society.