Toyota reveals Corolla Art Competition student winner

The competition was part of the Corolla Great British Art project, in which Toyota challenged artists from across the country to produce works celebrating the enduringly popular Corolla hybrid – a car made in Britain and loved by people from all walks of life.  

Toyota, whose UK head office is located near UCA’s Surrey campuses, gave students free rein to choose their own theme and use any media, allowing their imagination to run free. 

The Toyota and UCA judging panel chose Lie Louie, a 21-year-old UCA BA (Hons) Fine Art student, as the overall winner and four highly commended works by BA (Hons) Illustration students: Liz Johnson, Lucy Hartley, Harriet Beadsley, and Katie Osang.

Carla Henson, Toyota (GB) General Manager of Strategy and People, said: “The range and quality of artworks accurately and creatively reflect our brief to create something that captures the essence of the ever-popular and enduring Corolla. We were also impressed that the artists researched what the Toyota brand stands for, our mission to provide sustainable mobility for all.”

Lie, who is from Alton in Hampshire, began his piece with a digital collage of quintessentially British imagery. This was then translated into a painting using Procreate, which resulted in a cinematic composition that captures a personal moment between the viewer and their dining table.

Lie commented: “I am passionate about capturing lived experiences through art and was thrilled to help Toyota push art to wider audiences.

”I was inspired by everyday British experiences, accessible to anyone.  We’ve all at some point hoped for biscuits and been greeted by a sewing kit. I reflected on typical biscuit tin imagery, often depicting beautiful countryside cottages, and wondered how a ‘biscuit tin car’ would fit within that landscape. I chose two specific Corolla colours, green and red, traditionally associated with Christmas. By pairing this with a comforting glow, I hoped to capture warmth and curate a scene as if the viewer has received a sneakily hidden gift – the keys to a Corolla.”

Tom Walker, Illustration and Fine Art Programme Director at UCA, added: “Giving our students a real brief from an external client like Toyota means they’re not just hearing their tutors’ voices, but genuinely engaging with external voices that shape the industry. It’s a brilliant reminder that a global partner but locally orientated brand can create opportunities right here in Surrey.”

Students attended a prize-giving ceremony at Toyota’s Epsom head office. The winner received £500, and each finalist took away a Toyota goody bag.

The artworks were on display at Toyota (GB)’s headquarters and are due to travel to other Toyota locations around the UK, including the Corolla factory at Burnaston in Derbyshire.

To learn more about studying Fine Art or Illustration at UCA, visit the course pages.