Past Winners Comment on Amy Werntz, The Bennett Prize 4 Winner

The Bennett Prize winners from cycles 1 and 2 shared their insights and comments on the work of The Bennett Prize 4 winner, Amy Werntz.

Aneka Ingold, winner of The Bennett Prize 1 in 2019 said, "The work of the Bennett Prize 4 winner, Amy Werntz, is a beautiful and impactful tribute to women in a way we do not see often. She depicts aging women in all their vulnerability and dignity. Her reverence for this marginalized group of people in our society is done with acute sensitivity and attention to detail. The range of colors in the skin tone and descriptive paint strokes depicting each line and contour of the facial features are done with a delicate and precise hand. Werntz shows these women in a stage of life that may be in isolation and what seems to be a contemplation of both identity and autonomy.  

These portraits capture each unique personality and characteristic of the subject with both sadness and strength. Within each expression, Werntz is telling stories that need to be heard about women who have lived through many things and seen the world in many iterations over the course of their years. Women are the nurturers, the quiet comforters, and unseen leaders and heroes that are often not getting acknowledged on a larger scale. When we think of how many older men we observe in political positions and leadership roles who are still seen, heard and revered, it’s such a disparity from how we view women of the same age.

These portraits are a way to bring attention and value to a demographic that has in many ways been deemed unnecessarily peripheral.

There is a stillness in observing these women that demands a deep regard for the intrinsic value they carry. The viewer is required to give deep consideration and respect to each individual while traveling around each wrinkle, fold of fabric and strand of hair.  

Werntz is another courageous ambassador for women, representing the Bennett Prize with an important message to share about the female experience. Once again we see how imperative it is to put women artists at the forefront of the art world at this time in history."

Ayana Ross, winner of The Bennett Prize 2 in 2021 shared, "As a past recipient of The Bennett Prize, it’s such a joy to witness the ongoing legacy of this award that so powerfully uplifts women artists—and even more meaningful to see it carried forward by thoughtful and deserving artists like Amy Werntz.

Amy’s work brings extraordinary beauty to everyday moments. Her sensitive and illuminating approach to figuration—particularly her focus on aging and the quiet dignity of lived experience—invites us to look more closely and care more deeply. There’s an intimacy in her portraits that feels both delicate and audacious.

Being part of The Bennett Prize community has been such a gift. It’s about more than individual success—it’s a shared pursuit of elevating women in figurative painting who are expanding and reshaping the narrative. I’m thrilled to welcome Amy into this growing circle of artists."

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Learn more about Amy Werntz and see her work HERE.

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