A YOUNG artist from Warrington has been recognised on a prestigious list of ‘emerging talent’ following his work which has focused on challenging the rules of identity and the ‘art of acceptance’.

Ashton Blyth, from Walton, has been named in a list of talents that has previously featured renowned artists such as Damien Hirst and widely recognised painter, David Hockney.

The list is produced by leading art organisation, New Contemporaries who are known for having supported young upcoming artists in the UK for more than 70 years.

Ashton, a former Priestley College student, spoke of his pride to be recognised by the organisation for his work, much of which has reflected his experiences as a transgender man in a constantly evolving society.

“To have my name listed as an alumnus of this organisation alongside these famous faces is daunting and a lot to live up to,” said Ashton.

“There are not many LGBTQ+ people that are included in that long list of names, and fewer that make work regarding the trans experience.

“So, to be part of the few representing the many in the art world is an honour and a privilege.”Warrington Guardian: An example of Ashton’s work, which has explored personal identityAn example of Ashton’s work, which has explored personal identity (Image: Priestley College)

The 24-year-olds artwork aims to challenge the ‘rules and restraints society lays out’ in relation to personal identity.

The artist is passionate in his belief that these rules should be ‘challenged, broken down and reformed’ to show a new representation of the ‘constant evolution of identity in society’.

“As a transgender man, whose life experiences often hang in the balance dependant on government and ever-changing laws regarding the LGBTQ+ community, I believe it is important to make artworks that highlight the struggles we face but also normalise our experiences as human beings, with the same fears and desires as everyone else,” he said.

Other highlights within the creator’s career since leaving Priestley College have included winning ‘Young Artist’ in the international Visual Art Open 2021 competition.

As well as having one of his animations short-listed and shown at the Iris Awards – an LGBTQ+ BAFTA-qualifying film festival in Cardiff.

“To have my little animation of such a seemingly insignificant moment be so well received globally and win several awards was mind-blowing and still is.”

Ashton’s animation, ‘Felt Right Then, Feels Right Now’, was shown at the Roxie Theatre in San Francisco, as well as in several film festivals around the world and has won many awards.

“Knowing that strangers from all over the world have watched my memory play out and understand instantly what I was portraying, what this child was going through without need for explanation, is an overwhelming feeling of acceptance I struggle to put into words.”

To find out more about Ashton and his work visit his website ashtonblyth.co.uk or Instagram page @ashtonblyth.art