EDINBURGH.- The Royal Scottish Academy announced that Steven MacIver has received the 2024 RSA MacRobert Art Award for Painting.

Funded by the MacRobert Trust and administered by the RSA, the award provides the time and financial assistance for a committed painter whose circumstances have, for whatever reason, made it difficult to focus upon and develop their artistic talent. Steven MacIver will receive £20,000 which will fund a 12-month period of research and development for a new body of work which will be exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Steven MacIver’s paintings are built around perspective driven frameworks which create the illusion of space and depth by layering and removing paint. MacIver grew up in Orkney and has spent the past 20 years between London, Rome and Oxfordshire. He intends to use the award funds to explore the theme of ‘homecoming,’ celebrating the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Scotland. He will examine interior and exterior spaces throughout Scotland, from the structured interior of the National Museum of Scotland to the more domestic space of a bothy in the Cairngorms. MacIver will focus on developing a body of work that unites the various elements of his practice through the juxtaposition of hard-edged, perspective-driven line and natural organic forms.

Steven MacIver said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded the 2024 RSA MacRobert Art Award for Painting. I am deeply grateful to the MacRobert Trust and the Royal Scottish Academy for providing this extraordinary opportunity, which will allow me to focus on developing my practice and building a new body of work over the next 12 months. This award is a real honour and I look forward to getting into the studio to begin my project.’

Chris Hockley CBE DL, Chief Executive Officer of the MacRobert Trust said: ‘We strive to keep Lady MacRobert and her family’s legacy alive by supporting charitable organizations that share our vision. By supporting artists like Steven MacIver, we’re able to celebrate Lady MacRobert’s commitment to championing the arts and ensure that her influence continues to inspire and uplift the artistic community. Steven is an incredibly deserving winner, and we look forward to seeing how his practice develops over the next 12 months.’

Colin R Greenslade, Director of the RSA said: ‘We’d like to congratulate Steven MacIver on winning the 2024 RSA MacRobert Art Award. This award will provide crucial support for Steven, enabling him to elevate his practice, pursue new directions and further his already established career. We eagerly anticipate the innovative work that will emerge as a result of this support.

‘The MacRobert Trust’s investment in this award recognises the importance of supporting artists and allows them to make considerable steps forward on their creative journeys. Our partnership with The MacRobert Trust reflects the Academy’s own commitment to nurturing creative talent through a diverse array of awards, travel and research opportunities, residencies and exhibitions, and we’re aware that this support has never been more vital.’

Originally from Orkney, Steven MacIver studied at Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen. He completed his Masters at the Slade School of Fine Art and is a former Sainsbury Scholar at the British School at Rome. MacIver was awarded an RSA John Kinross Scholarship in 2022 and has exhibited extensively in the UK and Europe. Steven MacIver’s work is an ongoing investigation of line, surface and space. He is directly influenced by his surroundings, contrasting rural life with architectural landscapes. MacIver’s recent work has drawn on inspiration from experiences of ultra-running in natural landscapes, exploring organic spaces and forms.