In 2011, the Next Generation Collection was established to continue Ruth Borchard’s project into the twenty-first century. Alongside the Prize, the fundamental tenet of the Next Generation Collection is to bring together diverse artists, rarely traditional portraitists, who briefly, inquisitively, turn their eye upon themselves. Subject and object become one and the same, seeing and being seen elide in a moment of revelation and self- reflection. Artists represented in the collection range from those at the outset of their artistic practice to those with established professional careers. It also holds a multitude of media and includes artists usually known for practices other than painting. As a whole body of work the Collection traces the trends in contemporary art practices. 

Amongst the 2021 Prize entries there were several submissions made by Next Generation artists. Presenting these alongside the work already held in the Collection the following display traces the shifts and continuities apparent in each individual artists practices.