At the Blake Prize Judging panel

The Blake Prize judging panel consists of 3 judges includes an Art Historian/ critic/ curator, a practicing artist and a theological scholar.  Judges are supplied with a copy of all submissons of work, then they individually assess the submissions and submit a list of their pre-selection for finalist to the Blake, which is usually around 100 each. Judges then meet at a dark meeting room and look at slides after slides of the final selection of works consisting list from all three judges (usually with large overlap) and determine the finalist listing. The Blake then notifies contestants who were chosen as finalist of their status, Blake would then assist the finalists with their work to be delievered and arranged for viewing. The Judges meet to view works in-situ at a space to determine the winners of the Blake Prize, John Coburn emerging Artist Award and the collection that would be included at the touring exhibition.
We were with the Judging panel at a meeting room in COFA for the second round of selection, COFA was still under construction then, there were drilling right underneath our windows. You would think that would have made the atmosphere more tense, as it is the determination of an quiet prestigious art prize in which involves themes that can get people very passionate and worked up about. Surprisingly the atmosphere was rather peaceful if not a bit dull. Seeing so many works at a time, in pictures that would do little justice, either overplaying or underplaying what it really is, it mush be quiet numbing, for the eyes and for the brain. I was surprised not many confronting works were chosen, many works with more aggressive views on religion or spirituality were quietly voted out. Tame Islamic works were in favor, as of new age take on spirituality, and lambs for some reason, anything with lambs.
I guess you can’t expect much radicalism at such a long running Prize celebrating religion and spirituality whose director is a well respected Rev, but since the panel of Judges is external and do not have direct association with the Blake society, makes me wonder if the judges unconsciously adjusted their taste to accommodate what they think is appropriate for the Prize? As I see it, I think it is an excellent platform to talk about the big questions, to question spirituality and even God, in a peaceful and respecting way, not merely a dumbed down celebration.