Rotherham student's art featured in top gallery

Sohail with Abigail and Lyn at the exhibition opening.

Sohail Khalil (19), an art student at Thomas Rotherham College, was a finalist in the Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools 2017.

He and 19 other artists from around the world were shorlisted from 24,000 entrants for a £15,000 top prize.

The award was scooped by New Zealand’s Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, with second place going to Adam Hall of Bolton School Boys’ Division.

All of the finalists’ work — including Sohail’s photographic piece, called “Isolated Space” — has been on display in the Saatchi Gallery for two weeks.

Sohail attended a grand exhibition opening at the gallery on July 4, with art teachers Abigail Pannozzo and Lyn Hodnett.

Abigail said: “The event was a great experience and the artwork looked incredible within the gallery.

“All shortlisted entries were given a certificate — it is still a huge achievement to have their work exhibited within the gallery and recognition is greatly deserved.

“Sohail’s big smile did not leave his face all evening. He said it was a privilege for his work to be exhibited alongside all of the other shortlisted entries due to their impressive, high standard.

“His family and teachers are incredibly proud of him.”