#United States #New York #Emerging Artists #AXA Art Prize #Hazel Paik

Celebrating Emerging Artists: 2025 AXA Art Prize Winners Announced

On November 13, 2025, AXA XL proudly revealed the winners of the prestigious 2025 AXA Art Prize US, honoring some of the most promising emerging artists in the world of figurative art. This annual competition attracted over 600 submissions from students attending 158 different institutions across the United States, showcasing the vibrant creativity and diverse artistic landscape of the nation.

Notable Winners and Their Works

The First Prize, a generous award of $10,000, went to Hazel Paik from the Maryland Institute College of Art for her stunning piece titled Green Sun. Jurors were particularly impressed with her innovative approach and the emotional depth of her work, which explores themes of identity and human experience. Jennifer Schipf, AXA XL's Global Chief Underwriting Officer for Fine Art & Specie, remarked, "It's inspiring to see how young artists are pushing boundaries and redefining what figurative art can be. Their work reflects not only exceptional skill but also fresh perspectives that will influence the art world for years to come."

Coming in a close second, Nicole Estelle Brown, also from Maryland Institute College of Art, received the Second Prize of $5,000 for her piece Bodily Sacrifice Operation VA Edition. Brown's work captivates not only with its technical craftsmanship but also with its compelling narrative, depicting her vision for the future of figurative art.

Honorable mentions were awarded to several distinguishable artists, including:

• - Elizabeth Bizianes from Savannah College of Art and Design for her artwork No Kidding.
• - Serena Viola Corson of Louisiana State University for her piece Mossy Maenads.
• - Calvin Guo from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with his work Rubble.

Exhibition and Juror Insights

The finalists' works are currently on display in an engaging exhibition at the New York Academy of Art, which runs from October 6 to November 16, 2025. This exhibition aims to provide emerging artists with a significant platform to showcase their talent. A panel of esteemed professionals from the art world, including Alex Gartenfeld, Claudia Gould, Jonathan Rider, and John Yau, curated the exhibition to highlight the best of this year's contributions.

The winners were selected by a distinguished Prize Jury, featuring renowned artists Ali Banisadr and David Antonio Cruz, alongside Jennifer Schipf. The jury undertook a comprehensive review of all submissions, assessing critical aspects such as technical skill, originality, and artistic vision.

The Impact of the AXA Art Prize US

The AXA Art Prize US has established itself as a crucial platform in the art community, dedicated to nurturing and promoting emerging artists. Beyond recognizing talent, it provides vital visibility and opportunities for these artists, connecting them with influential curators and supporting their career progressions. This initiative not only fortifies artistic innovation but also champions the next generation of creative minds, pushing them to present transformative art that speaks to contemporary issues.

For further information about the exhibition and the 2025 winners or upcoming initiatives, please visit AXA XL's website.

About AXA XL

AXA XL, as a division of AXA, stands at the forefront of global fine art insurance. The organization is deeply committed to protecting and celebrating the rich Cultural Heritage that art represents worldwide. With over 1,200 professionals across more than 200 countries, AXA XL seeks to safeguard artistic expressions that enhance our lives, all while supporting initiatives like the AXA Art Prize US to foster artistic community and creativity.