LONDON.- The winner of the first ever and highly anticipated 176 / Zabludowicz Collection Future Map Prize has been chosen. Cindie Cheung was selected for her video art works One Girl in Office, with Coca Cola and Untitled. The prize was awarded last night by Anita Zabludowicz at 20 Hoxton Square Projects to an assembled crowd of cultural luminaries.

Cheung graduated from Chelsea College of Art and Design with a BA in Fine Art. Her work explores her interest in the historical representation of women in cinema and popular culture. The film shows a girl repeatedly carving a straight line into a desk accompanied by music also composed by Cheung. Using pastiche to create new spaces and worlds, the films attempt to investigate the way in which representation, meaning and desire intertwine.

The judges felt that Cheung’s work was refreshingly unique and that the prize would push her talents further. Anita Zabludowicz who presented the prize on behalf of 176 / Zabludowicz Collection said of Cheung, “This prize is a stepping stone in the development of a successful career. We very much look forward to working with Cindie in the future and assisting her in finding her way. She has such exciting potential.” While fellow prize judge, former Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller explained his choice, “The work intrigued me, there was mystery there, it was odd.”

Cheung faced tough competition from the other dynamic exhibitors in Future Map 09. The show is London’s premiere annual exhibition of the best emerging talent from the current graduating year at London’s creative powerhouse, University of the Arts London.

The selection panel for the 176 / Zabludowicz Collection Future Map Prize comprised Anita Zabludowicz, Nancy Durrant, Arts Commissioning Editor at The Times and Jeremy Deller. The prize is a £3,000 award and the opportunity to make a limited edition artwork which will go on sale at 176 / Zabludowicz Collection in the New Year. The aim of the prize is to enable the winning practitioner to continue to work following their graduation by both supporting them financially and facilitating a new limited edition by them.