"With a historic endowment of €90,000, the Tartget Prize positions itself as one of the essential appointments on the international art circuit."
A Jury of World Renown
Joining the esteemed jury members from the first edition (Leigh Benke, Don Eddy, Jason Anderson, Jacob Dhein, Paola Luther, Praful Sawant, Gwen Roberts, Francesco Cusumano, Denis Gorodnychiyi, Zhang Hongbin, Fletcher Sibthorp, Claudia Isaza, Pablo Larsen, and Tania Rivilis) are eight new masters of reference in hyperrealism, drawing, watercolor, and contemporary realism. The composition of the jury reflects a rich diversity of approaches, trajectories, and contemporary visual languages:
- J. Hunsung (South Korea): Master of the contemporary portrait.
- Gavin Glakas (United States): Painter with works housed in the U.S. Capitol.
- Dirk Dzimirsky (Germany): A leading figure in emotional hyperrealism.
- Ivan Loginov (Russia): Virtuoso of the classical Russian school.
- Jean Haines (United Kingdom): International icon of expressive watercolor.
- Eugenia Gorbacheva (Russia): Specialist in landscapes and watercolor technique.
- Julia Ustinovich (Russia): Renowned for her powerful figurative narrative.
- Rosso Emerald Crimson (Italy): An artist celebrated for the psychological depth of her work.
Prizes: €90,000 and a Commitment to Specialization
The Tartget Prize 2026 strengthens its structure by combining prestigious main awards with technical and acquisition prizes.
Major General Prizes:
- Gold Tartget (Best in Show): €12,000
- Silver Tartget: €6,000
- Bronze Tartget: €4,000
- Fusion Tartget: €4,000 (dedicated to abstract, conceptual, and collage works).
Specialization and Categories: This edition takes a firm step toward specialization with the
- Drawing Tartget (Best Drawing: valued at €4,000).
- Watercolor Tartget (Best Watercolor: valued at €4,000)
- Additionally, awards for the best works in each of the 11 categories and the Youth Prize (for artists under 25) remain.
- The fund is completed by €10,000 in acquisition prizes.
"The inclusion of specific Watercolor and Drawing Tartget awards responds to the technical excellence that defines the spirit of the competition."
Artistic Residencies and Education
One of the most significant developments is the commitment to artist development through immersive experiences:
- “Art and Nature – Tablas de Daimiel” Residency: Four artists will enjoy 12 days in the environment of the National Park. The project bridges creation and environmental awareness; at least one of the works produced will be included in the final exhibition in Madrid.
- Atelier Madrid Residency: A 7-day formative stay under the tutelage of Arantzazú Martínez and Mikel Oyarzábal, leading figures in the teaching of classical drawing and painting.
Calendar and Venue: The Cultural Epicenter of Madrid
The competition will culminate in the heart of the Paisaje de la Luz (Landscape of Light), just steps away from the Prado Museum.
- Closing of entries: May 31, 2026.
- Physical jury deliberation: From September 1 to 8, the jury will evaluate the original works to determine the major prizes.
- Top 100 Exhibition: September 18 to 25, 2026, at the Ateneo de Madrid.
- Awards Gala: September 18 at the historic Cátedra Mayor of the Ateneo.
"Exhibiting at the Ateneo de Madrid places the selected artists within the most significant cultural spotlight in the world."
About Tartget Prize
Founded by Juan Francisco Gómez-Cambronero, José Luis Sánchez-Montañés, and Ismael Terriza, the project was born to unite academic rigor with real-world visibility. Today, the Tartget Prize is an active cultural platform integrating education, residencies, and a direct connection between creators, collectors, and institutions.
