Now in its seventeenth year, the Young Painter Prize competition — this year hosting finalist exhibitions in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia — has announced its winner. At the Latvian Academy of Art gallery in Riga, the main award was presented to Estonian painter August Joost. The international jury highlighted the maturity of his artistic vision, the conceptual strength of the work, and the evocative power of its symbols.

Established in 2009 by Lithuanian painter Vilmantas Marcinkevičius, the competition’s awards ceremony took place outside Lithuania for the first time. Artists from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine take part, and over seventeen years the project has become one of the most important springboards to recognition for emerging creators in the Baltic region.

Competition founder V. Marcinkevičius notes that the 2025 Young Painter Prize stands out for its record number of applications. “The finalists’ exhibition is remarkable not only for its geographic scope, but also for its content — young artists are exploring a wide range of themes, from personal identity and memory to the social, political, and ecological challenges of contemporary life. They boldly experiment with painting techniques, materials, and narrative forms,” says Marcinkevičius, one of the international jury members.

New York–based curator, writer, and photography historian Gail Buckland said it was an honour to evaluate this year’s works. Living and working in the fast-paced New York art world, she said she immediately noticed strong qualities among the young creators: “Their ideas come from deep within. It’s wonderful that they draw on history, mythology, psychology, nature, and personal aesthetics rather than short-lived trends. I spoke with them — today, you don’t need to create in London, Berlin, Paris, or New York. With education, discipline, and the culture they’re immersed in, they’re destined for creative and meaningful lives. Each finalist found a place in my heart.”

Evening host and competition ambassador, Latvian Academy of Art Vice-Rector Prof. Andris Vītolinš, is convinced that the Young Painter Prize inspires and invigorates the Baltic art scene and strengthens its visibility.

“I am glad that artist V. Marcinkevičius had the visionary insight to start this project 17 years ago,” he said at the ceremony, adding that recognised excellence fuels the growth and development of civilisation.

“Only a few manage to stand on the winners’ podium, but this very possibility inspires others to grow, improve, and believe in success. All it takes is dedication and hard work,” Vītolinš added.

Estonian artist and jury member Kristi Kongi found it exciting to see so much high-quality and fresh painting in this year’s competition. She noted that the finalists’ exhibition is exceptionally strong — both conceptually and technically.

Winner August Joost of Estonia could not hide his emotions as he accepted the main prize. “It’s my first time participating in this competition — I truly did not expect this recognition. I’m overflowing with joy and want to continue travelling through the wildly magical dimension of images,” he said, encouraging fellow creators to never doubt the value of their work, even in moments of uncertainty, and to believe in themselves.

This year, three artists received Honorable Mentions. Lithuanian artist Mantas Valentukonis was recognised for his work gl(azure) Pagrindinis. Latvian artist Katrīna Levāne was awarded for forest floor, and Ukrainian artist Stefanas Stoikovas for Holiday Worry.

The special “Luminor” Prize — awarded for a strong visual idea and social sensitivity — was given to Latvian artist Ieva Kampe Krumholca for her piece Ariadne’s Clue – follow the light of your heart.

“Art enriches humanity and inspires emotion and reflection. Supporting the creative journeys of young artists is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Tadas Ratkevičius, Head of Luminor Private Banking in Lithuania, at the ceremony in Riga.

The Young Painter Prize, launched this year in Latvia’s capital Riga, is only beginning its journey. From Latvia, the finalists’ exhibition will travel to Lithuania, to the Panevėžys Creativity Centre “Pragiedruliai”, and later to the Tartu Art House in Estonia. A new exhibition architecture will be created at each venue.

At every stop, a “Public Prize” winner will also be selected. “Thus, this year’s competition is not only international but also interactive — it gives audiences in each country the opportunity to contribute to the competition’s outcomes,” says founder V. Marcinkevičius.

Over 17 years, the Young Painter Prize has presented more than 500 emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to successful international careers. The project has become an example of how art can connect cultures, foster solidarity, and build a shared regional narrative.

The Young Painter Prize (YPP) continues to grow and flourish thanks to dedicated private patrons and supporters — Nicolas Ortiz, the Raila family, Rasa Juodviršienė, and the Bajorūnas/Sarnoff Foundation. They not only support the project but also help discover young talent across the Baltic region. This year, the YPP received special recognition — significant funding from the Lithuanian Council for Culture, enabling the competition to expand geographically and reach new audiences beyond Vilnius.

The competition’s main sponsor is Luminor Bank. Partners include the Latvian Academy of Art, Tartu Art House “Kunstimaja”, the Stasys Eidrigevičius Arts Centre, Pamėnkalnis Gallery, APB Walless COF, Semarah Hotels, and other private supporters from the Baltic countries.

The finalists’ works will be on view in Panevėžys from December 5 until January 19, 2026, and in Tartu, Estonia, from January 30 to March 1.