Congratulations to Signal Open 2016 Winner Irina Kuksova, some words from the artist below…

“I knew about ‘Signal Open’ since it started in 2013, but it took me 4 years to submit one and only piece a few days short of the deadline. The artwork is a portrait of my boyfriend Elliot, painted during my long recovery from a car accident. Entitled ‘Safe Home’, it speaks of what makes us feel safest in life – a cozy bed and a face of a loved one. I have been painting since I was a kid and studied art in Moscow, Russia, then earned an Honours Degree in Painting from the Academy of Fine Art of Brera in Milan, Italy. Having moved to Ireland, I mostly worked in films (started as an extra and worked my way up to set design) and painted some commissioned pieces. As I was limited in job options after the car accident, I concentrated on personal non-commercial artwork, which I didn’t have time to even think about for the last 10 years. I was both surprised and delighted, when I heard my name being called to receive the ‘Best in Show’ Award. I’m forever grateful to Signal Arts for appreciating my artwork and – for the first time – making me an award-winning artist. “