Local artists display award winning talent

Published on Thursday, 13 April 2023 at 3:02:05 PM

The City of Albany has recognised six talented local artists with a cross section of honours as the Great Southern Art Award is judged for 2023.

Judges Paul Caporn, Jo Wassell and Jillian Green deliberated their decisions before announcing the winning pieces at the Great Southern Art Awards official opening on Thursday evening.

Samantha Dennison was awarded the City of Albany Acquisitive Award for her piece South Coast Vessels and Corymbia Ficifolia taking home the coveted $5,000 prize.

The judges described Samantha’s piece as a beautifully crafted work with an attention to detail that carries an honest and simple narrative expressed through a minimal colour palette.

Works on Paper award winner Laura Newbury was commended for her piece The Old London which was described as delicately expressed through a muted colour palette. Judges said the piece contains a thoughtful and considered relationship between the subject matter, the material nature of the paper and a well-executed combination of techniques.

Nikki Green won the Print Award with her piece Koi Kyeunu-Ruff described as a sophisticated play between traditional ideas of realism and abstraction and a subtle use of colour. The landscape work plays with perspective to successfully achieve a balanced outcome.

This year’s Paint Award was won by Beth Kirkland and her piece Green Island which judges said was a well-executed abstract work through which the artist has employed a minimal use of colour and mark-making to execute a subtle yet engaging outcome. 

Are These Walls Strong Enough by Linda Chambers won the 3D Award with green bottle-coloured glazing highlighting a fish or dragon scale-like surface. The simple yet intriguing vessels display a detailed construction technique on both the outer surface and within. 

A new category was awarded this year for a First Nation artist. Shandell Cummings was the inaugural winner with her piece Happiness. The judges said that aptly names this work contains layered techniques that create a playful and happy optical effect.

Mayor of Albany Dennis Wellington said the Great Southern Art Award showcases local talent.

“The Great Southern Art Award is always a highlight of the local arts calendar where we continue to be amazed by the skill of our local community,” he said.

“This year is no exception and I encourage everyone to make time for this exhibition because it is something we can all take inspiration from.”

The Great Southern Art Award will be on display at the Albany Town Hall from 7 April until 19 May

To find out more head to: https://artsandculture.albany.wa.gov.au/exhibitions/Great-Southern-Art-Award.aspx

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