The Ian Rosenfeld Fund

Gallery Rosenfeld is proud to announce the launch of the Ian Rosenfeld Fund, a £7,500 annual award established in memory of our founder, Ian Rosenfeld, to support an early- to mid-career artist in the spirit of genuine patronage. Continuing Ian's legacy of championing distinctive voices and nurturing emerging talent, the Fund requires no artwork donation or exchange. Instead, it is offered freely, providing not only financial support but also an ongoing relationship of guidance, mentorship and encouragement.

Since its founding in London in 2011, Gallery Rosenfeld has built a reputation for championing distinctive voices in contemporary art. Ian played a central role in identifying and supporting artists from the earliest stages of their careers, often accompanying them on their journey to museum exhibitions, sold-out solo shows and international recognition. As the gallery enters a new era, the Ian Rosenfeld Fund looks forward, reaffirming this longstanding commitment to supporting artists who shape and expand the possibilities of contemporary practice. Rooted in Ian's belief in originality and independent thought, the Fund is designed to offer meaningful, practical support at a pivotal moment in an artist's development, enabling new work, research and ambition to flourish.

We are delighted to announce Miguel Escobar as the inaugural recipient of the Ian Rosenfeld Fund.

The Fund received more than 1,300 applications from artists around the world. The depth, seriousness and ambition of the submissions made the selection process both inspiring and exceptionally difficult. Miguel's work stood out for its conceptual clarity, psychological intensity and quietly resonant reflection on contemporary life.

Born in Colombia in 1990, Escobar has never exhibited in the UK before. His practice moves between past and present, shaped by his training in Buenos Aires and Florence, his time living and studying with Odd Nerdrum in Norway, and his apprenticeship with David Manzur. His psychologically charged paintings position animals as protagonists within carefully constructed theatrical environments—intimate, uncanny spaces that subtly mirror contemporary social structures.

His work is held in major museum collections, including the Colección Museo del Banco de la República, Colombia; Museo de Arte de Caldas, Colombia; Museo d'Arte Contemporanea MACS Sicilia, Italy; and Museo MEAM Barcelona, Spain.

Miguel was selected by the gallery with the support of an exceptional panel comprising Marine Tanguy, Péjú Oshin, Alice Black and Araminta Blue. Alongside the financial award, the Ian Rosenfeld Fund offers ongoing mentorship and guidance, fostering meaningful dialogue and long-term support beyond the prize itself.

We are very much looking forward to working closely with Miguel and supporting the next chapter of his practice.

Congratulations, Miguel.