A BRIGHTON photographer has been shortlisted for a prestigious national art award.

Artist Denise Felkin has compiled an ongoing photographic project called Mum’s Not The Word which captures women, who do not have children, lying naked in the foetal position.

It has now reached the finals of the MS Amlin Continuity Prize which asked artists to respond to the theme of “continuity in an uncertain world.”

Denise said: “I am 48 and child free and have never wanted children.

“Occasionally I question myself if I made the right decision.

“How would a child have changed my life?

“Why would I want to bring a child into this world of uncertainty?”

Part of the National Open Art competition, the prize is sponsored by MS Amlin, the London-based arm of Japanese global insurer MS&AD.

MS Amlin’s global director communications Adrian Britten said: “As an insurer, our role is to provide continuity when people and businesses are challenged in this uncertain world and these artistic responses to that idea are both insightful and thought provoking.

“With more than 950 submissions, all those who made it to the shortlist should be celebrated for the quality of their contributions to our cultural lives.”

The winner will be announced on November 21 and will receive £5,000.

The work will also be exhibited at the 21st National Open Art Exhibition which runs from November 17-26 at the Oxo Tower’s Bargehouse.