A JOURNEY through seascapes and streetscapes, to the far reaches of our diverse country and back home again.
That is how judges described the close to 250 entries in this year’s City of Melville Art Awards, which opened at the weekend.
Judges Mark Parfitt, Mark Stewart and Jo Darbyshire singled out 14 artworks for recognition on the opening night of the exhibition Friday, including Open Award winner Kate Clarke’s abstract painting titled Balance.
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READ NOWMelville Mayor Russell Aubrey was on hand to present the $14,000 prize pool and commended entrants on the quality of art on display.
“The City’s Annual Art Awards never fail to amaze me, bringing together the talent of seasoned artists, emerging artists and local students to collectively yield an exhibition of immense creative excellence,” Mr Aubrey said.
“The quality of the exhibition is testament to all of the individual’s dedication to their chosen practice.
“I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and explore the gallery space.”
The People’s Choice Award, voted on by visitors to the exhibition, will be presented following the close of the Art Awards.
The exhibition and art sale is open to the public at the Melville Civic Centre until Sunday, September 3.
It is open daily from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday, with buskers and live painting demonstrations during the weekend.
2017 Art Award Winners:
Category: Open Award (Aquisitive)
Artist’s Name: Kate Clarke
Title of Artwork: Balance
Judges’ Comments: This exquisite work shows the power of paint. The artist has used encaustic, oils, crayon, pastel & shellac to create an abstract work which draws us in and allows us to imagine being in and over the landscape.
Category: Painting
Artist’s Name: Marcia Hadlow
Title of Artwork: Stacks on the Mill
Judges’ Comments: This tiny work explores a delicate balance of pattern and poetry. The paint is luscious, the zebra mysterious, and the edges of the work are free and expressive.
Category: Works on Paper
Artist’s Name: Natsumi de Dianous
Title of Artwork: Dragon in the Grass
Judges’ Comments: Using paint, drawing and print, this work reveals the artists consciousness to the audience. Referring to a personal language of mark making, ‘Dragon in the Grass’ opens up a place that speaks of poetry and imagination.
Category: 3D Sculpture/Textile
Artist’s Name: Jane Ryan
Title of Artwork: Home and Family
Judges’ Comments: Balancing between the play of drawing and colour with a meticulous stitch process, this work evokes a love of home and the closeness of family.
Category: Youth (ages 15 to 18)
Artist: Abby Marshall
Title of Artwork: We’re all the same
Judges’ Comments: The eyes of this portrait haunt the viewer. They seem so resolute. Yet the way the hands have been treated, invite the viewer to look under the surface. A beautiful and brave work.
Category: Work by City of Melville Resident
Artist: Brad Durrant
Title of Artwork: Don’t look at me
Judges’ Comments: The artist has worked intensely in one area, drawing attention to the subjects hands, and creating a work which asks questions. A juxtaposition of traditional drawing technique and contemporary use of material.
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