Entries include sculpture, stained glass and an installation made from old telephone bills.
The 12 shortlisted artists were chosen from hundreds who applied and include sculptor Joseph Ijoyemi, whose work Revival Boats uses the metal taken from the ship.
He said the work was his response to “the experiences of second-generation migrants from Africa who choose to return to their ancestral land to rebuild and reconnect with their roots”.
He said: “The origami fleet of boats explores the theme of revival, symbolising the resurgence of cultural identity, heritage, and community bonds. Each represents a personal journey of rediscovery and renewal. These boats serve as powerful symbols of resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of those who embark on this transformative return.”
The former Central Saint Martins student said being shortlisted was “a milestone in my career”. He said: “As a black artist, this recognition reinforces my newfound confidence in navigating the art world, amplifying underrepresented voices.”
The theme of this year’s prize, launched with perfume brand Editions de Parfum Frédéric Malle, was “a portrait of you” and artists were asked to submit work celebrating self-expression and the way individuality is shown through their artform.
The competition was open to all artists over the age of 18, excluding those who have had a solo exhibition in a public institution.
Other shortlisted work includes SaeRi Seo’s version of a traditional Korean moon jar which is smashed open with a ceramic flower growing inside, and Iman Sidonie-Samuels’s sculpture 3049 Calls, 19,401 Minutes made from 81 phone bills collected from her grandmother’s house in St Lucia.
She said it documented the relationship between her grandmother, who lived on the Caribbean island, and herself in London.
She said: “Each phone call, number and number of minutes is written, allowing me to pinpoint and recall regular conversations.”
The winner will be chosen on September 6 with London-based ceramicist Bisila Noha, fellow artist Aowen Jin, ES Magazine editor Ben Cobb, author and Editeur de Parfum Frédéric Malle and gallery CEO Helen Nisbet on the jury to help decide who wins the £5,000 prize.
All 12 shortlisted artists will see their work go on show at Cromwell Place gallery.