John Moores Painting Prize: Meet the Artist - David Caines

Join us to go beyond the canvas and meet the brilliant minds behind the prize-winning works of JMPP25. Hear the stories, ideas and inspirations that brought their paintings to life in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

David Caines is the winner of this year’s Lady Grantchester Prize, which is an award for recent graduates, who are within five years of graduation, and students who are currently in their final year of a UK-based arts-related course, degree (eg. BA, MA, PhD) or alternative learning programme.

David Caines was born in Wakefield in 1963. He studied at Chelsea School of Art (1982-86) and completed the Turps Off-Site Programme (2022-24).

David aims to paint things that he can’t explain- striving to paint questions and not answers. With a cast of monsters, clowns, bears, pixies, trolls, dolls and artists his paintings are ritual and ridiculous.

David will tell us more about the making of his prize-winning work ‘monstrous endeavour’, along with a discussion about his wider painting practice.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious creative, or simply someone who loves a great conversation, this is an unmissable opportunity to connect with some of the most exciting voices in contemporary painting today.

A small number of chairs will be provided for people who are unable to stand for an extended period of time. The gallery is wheelchair accessible with a lift from ground to first floor galleries.  Due to this event taking place on gallery we are unable to use amplification. We recommend this event for visitors aged 16+.

Talks are free and tickets can be picked up on-the-day from the information desk, or pre-ordered following the link below.