Manchester-based artist Ally Fallon has made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the internationally renowned John Moores Painting Prize at age 27. The artist received the 2025 prize for his compelling work titled 'If You Were Certain, What Would You Do Then?', marking a significant milestone in his artistic career.
Fallon, who graduated from both Manchester School of Art and Apollo Painting School, expressed his overwhelming emotions about the achievement. "It was only a few years ago I came here for the first time as a student, so to be standing here with my painting on the walls, it's a very prominent moment," he said. The young artist described the recognition as "a very proud moment" in his artistic journey.
The judging panel praised Fallon's winning piece for its sophisticated approach to painting. They highlighted the work's "deceptive simplicity" and characterized it as a "brave risk-taking painting" that demonstrates "nuanced humor." These qualities set his work apart from the thousands of other submissions competing for the prestigious award.
For Fallon, painting serves as a unique medium of expression that allows him to communicate experiences in ways that other art forms cannot. "Paint as a material allows me to express an experience in a very unique way," he explained. The artist also emphasized the particular significance of this prize for artists working outside of London, noting that "being based in Manchester, the John Moores Painting Prize is a really, really important exhibition for Northern-based artists, as it happens outside of London - it's seen as a real beacon."
The John Moores Painting Prize carries substantial prestige in the art world, having been first established in 1957 and named after its founding sponsor Sir John Moores. Throughout its distinguished history, the prize has recognized numerous celebrated artists who have gone on to achieve international acclaim, including renowned names such as David Hockney, Sarah Pickstone, and Rose Wylie.
As the 2025 winner, Fallon will receive significant recognition and support for his artistic career. The prize includes a monetary award of £25,000 and the opportunity for a solo exhibition at the prestigious Walker Art Gallery. This solo show will provide Fallon with a platform to showcase his work to a broader audience and establish himself further in the contemporary art scene.
Fallon's winning painting is currently on display as part of the John Moores Painting Prize 2025 exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. The comprehensive show features 70 carefully selected works chosen from more than 3,000 entries, demonstrating the highly competitive nature of this prestigious prize. The exhibition runs from September 6, 2025, through March 1, 2026, giving art enthusiasts and the general public ample opportunity to view these exceptional works and witness the breadth of contemporary painting talent.
