Blind mixed media artist from east London wins new prize
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An east London art student is breaking down barriers in the art space. Ruqaiya Asim, 22, from Dagenham, is blind, and has just won a major new art prize - up against seasoned professionals.
Her piece, "Communication with my Guide Dog" won the People's Choice Award in the Cass Art Prize.
The new competition is by the art supply retailer Cass Art, and is aimed at championing contemporary art across the UK and Ireland.
Ruqaiya Asim said: "It's all about the trust and the bond that my guide dog Bertie and I share. I've always said he is like my eyes and that's the point I really wanted to get across in my art."
The mixed media piece that won Ruqaiya Asim the award is also her first ever piece to be displayed in an exhibition.
The artwork and highlights the communication and bond between herself and her guide dog Bertie. It's created to mimic the shape of Bertie's harness, and features Berties paw prints, along with an interactive Braille centerpiece.
Ruqaiya has not revealed what the Braille says - so as to allow those who cannot read it to experience the inaccessibility of art for vision impaired people. Miss Asim took home £1000 to spend on art supplies.
The exhibition was held at London's Copeland Gallery with the People's Choice Award voted for by visitors and members of the public.
Liesel Thomas, from The Cass Group, said: "All of the visitors really engaged with it, everybody wanted to touch the Braille piece in the centre of the piece. It was not only conceptually incredible but also visually as well."
Reuben Murray won The Main Prize of the exhibition, being awarded a £10,000 cash prize and a stand at Saatchi Art’s The Other Art Fair 2025. His piece Ada tells the story of African slaves who freed themselves to establish communities of free black people in Jamaica.
Other categories included The Students Award, The Special Judge’s Award and The Art Educators Award.
Cass Art plans for the Prize to become an annual event - with entries for next year opening in the spring.