A teenage Manx artist has won the Global Students Prize 2022 presented by the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF).

Megan Griffin initially won the ’Judges’ Prize’ in the SAF’s Students Prize based on the island last year, alongside fellow Ballakermeen student Emilia Gasinska who won the ’Public Vote Prize’.

They were both then submitted for consideration in the Global category, where Megan has again scooped the Judges’ Prize.

The painting, entitled ’Vexation’, was created as part of Megan’s A-Level art portfolio when she was 17, and features her mum, Amanda.

Now 18, Megan has taken a gap year to travel around the world before attending university (where she hopes to study Classics) and is currently in Nepal.

On her huge win, she said: ’It feels incredible to have won the Sovereign and I’m still a little bit in disbelief.

’I was shocked even to have won the national prize so winning the global was even more of a surprise.

’The other paintings shortlisted are all so amazing and made by some truly talented artists.

’Everyone who was shortlisted should be very proud of their artwork. You are all fantastic artists.’

She added: ’I also need to say a really big thank you to my mum, not just for being an amazing mum, but also for letting me take hundreds of photos of her pulling the strangest of faces for my painting, and for being my representative for everything to do with the Sovereign while I’m off backpacking about the world.’

When describing her painting at the time of submission, Megan said: ’The theme of vulnerability is especially relevant today; we are currently living through an historical moment when nothing is secure, and nothing is certain.

’Social institutions on whose reliability we depend have dried up overnight, along with hugs, physical closeness and pay checks - as furlough has engulfed industry after industry.

’Both anger and despair are understandable responses to our increased sense of vulnerability, but we must remember that with this fragility also comes strength; perhaps even joyous acceptance.’