The Wall, Anton Markus Pasing
In my heart and head I was besotted when, having been awarded first prize for my work “City in a box IV” in 2019, I first came to the museum to exhibit my drawing. It was also extremely exciting to return this year as the winner of the 2022 digital category and resume my part in the joint exhibition, showing my work amidst exceptional renderings created by my fellow drawing colleagues.
Exhibiting in galleries is always physical. It’s something very different from just seeing the works on the internet. And, of course, the human experiences and the exchanges with all those involved are interesting and fun.
On the evening of the exhibition, I had resolved not to miss the opening speech, as I nearly did in 2019. I didn't want to be distracted by the museum and its artifacts before the speech this year. This time, afterwards, I really wanted to soak it all up and enjoy the details that characterise Sir John Soane's Museum.
Once you've dived into the museum’s rooms, staged by density and magical light, time becomes incidental. At the same time, it is a great asset that the museum curators can benefit from their historic collection to rethink The Architecture Drawing Prize again and again, giving it a new outlook and fresh take each time.
It is this contrast between timelessness and the ability to rejuvenate the programme that makes a visit to this museum so unique. To have a digital drawing exhibited at this London heritage location is something that I was moved by, and it has made me very happy.
I would like to see more events like this: a competition with a top-class jury who appreciates that engagement with architecture does not necessarily culminate in built results. The Prize values imagination, speculation, and the notion of narrative that comes through drawing as a platform.
I would like to thank everyone involved and especially my wife, who has championed me and insisted on accompanying me despite an illness.