#Switzerland #Lugano #BE OPEN Art #Anastazie Anderson #Rio Skor

BE OPEN Art Announces 2025 Artist of the Year

In a vibrant celebration of artistic talent, BE OPEN Art has revealed the prestigious title of Artist of the Year for 2025, alongside the recipients of its much-anticipated Community Support Fund. Founded by the BE OPEN Think Tank, led by Elena Baturina, this online art gallery aims to elevate emerging artists and foster a sense of community within the art world.

For six consecutive years, BE OPEN Art has engaged art enthusiasts by inviting them to vote for their favorite artists featured in the gallery each month. Throughout the year, the artist who garners the most votes becomes the honored Artist of the Year. This year’s accolade goes to Anastazie Anderson, a Czech-British painter known for her large-scale works that reflect a stunning range of visual references—from domestic photography and social media to cinematic images and modernist painting heritage.

Anastazie’s distinctive artwork blurs the lines between memory and imagination, authenticity and pretense, giving voice to emotional scenes that resonate as both familiar and surreal. Winning this coveted title not only grants her the honorary title but also a monetary prize of 1,000 euros.

Elena Baturina expressed her admiration for Anastazie, stating, _“What speaks to me in Anastazie Anderson’s work is the simplicity and vividness of her paintings that evoke memories from my childhood. We take immense pride in showcasing such remarkable young talents alongside the artists we encounter globally and empowering them to make their voices heard within the art sphere, thus influencing the lives of those who appreciate their art.”_

In addition to highlighting the Artist of the Year, BE OPEN also announces its Community Support Fund's achievements. Established in January 2024, this fund was designed to create mechanisms for mutual financial support, boosting engagement between collectors and artists. A significant milestone was reached when the community support fund amassed over €3,500, enabling monthly winners to receive financial aid.

For the second consecutive year, the fund's revenue will be distributed among the twelve monthly winners of 2025. Beyond Anastazie, other grant recipients of this year include:

• - Amal Al-Nakhala from Gaza
• - Wouter van Wessel from the Netherlands
• - Zohaib Mahar from Pakistan
• - Wen Tong from Canada
• - theKraftzone from Nigeria
• - Rizpah Amadasun from the United Kingdom
• - Audrey Lukban from the Philippines
• - Mia Delorés from the United States
• - Noushin Delfani from Iran
• - Victoria Martínez from Uruguay

Among the standout artists recognized, Rio Skor, a sculptor from Montreal, was noted by Baturina as her personal favorite for 2025. With a background in architecture, Rio has honed her sculpting skills in Carrara, Italy, specializing in marble as a medium of expression. She will be awarded a prize of €500 for her contributions to the art community.

The recognition of artists like Anastazie and Rio, alongside the support for numerous other talented individuals globally, underscores BE OPEN Art’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation within the art sector.

With their initiatives, BE OPEN Art not only celebrates artistic achievements but also fortifies community ties, ensuring that art remains a pivotal part of cultural expression and communal engagement. As we celebrate the accomplishments of these artists, we look forward to witnessing how their creativity inspires and influences the world around us.