Many of Australia’s best artists will provide a colourful and exuberant exhibition as they vie for the Sunshine Coast’s flagship art prize.
Forty finalists were short-listed, from 486 high-level entries, for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize.
Their works will go on show at the Sunshine Coast Art Prize Exhibition at the Caloundra Regional Gallery from August 26 to October 16.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the entries were of the highest calibre.
“The scope and quality of the entries is an excellent representation of both the rising momentum of our region’s art prize and a fabulous window into the forefront of contemporary art,” he said.
“The winning artwork will be acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, which now includes winning works by Raquel Ormella (2017), Michael Cook (2016) and Diena Georgetti (2019), among many other artists who continue to challenge, delight or inspire us.”
This year’s winners will be announced by guest judge Ellie Buttrose, the Curator, Contemporary Australian Art, Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, on October 6.
Ms Buttrose will award the recipients of the Major Prize, Highly Commended and Artist Residency, while the People’s Choice prize will be chosen by visitors to the exhibition.
Caloundra Regional Gallery Manager and Curator Jo Duke said the finalists would create an extraordinary display.
“Colour was a strong element within all the entries received, perhaps providing an outlet to our way of thinking and living during the past year,” she said.
“There are lyrical pieces such as Ian Gunn’s Psithurism, and moments of stillness within the exuberance of the exhibition such as Mark Tweedie’s For now that I am old.
“The idea of places of safety is evident in Laurel Foenander’s Stay Home 2021 and the thought of places came through in local First Nations Sunshine Coast artist Cholena Hughes’ Her Journey.
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“As always ideas of self are very much on display, examples being Gerwyn Davies’ Mirror and Anh Nguyen’s Rainy Month, Self-Portrait in Favourite Dress.
“The exhibition balances between abstract, realism and impressionist style of making.
“It is also always wonderful to have several of our local artists showing alongside their national peers and we’re delighted to present them within the show.”
Of the 16 Queensland artists selected as finalists, three Sunshine Coast locals made the grade with Mount Mellum’s Cholena Hughes, Alexandra Headland’s Jordyn Burnett and Coolum Beach’s Casey Hewitt on the billing.
Prizes on offer
- Major prize $25,000 – supported by major sponsor Argon Law Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council.
- Highly Commended prize $5000 – sponsored by the De Deyne Family.
- People’s Choice prize: $2500 – sponsored by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.
The art prize vehicles are supported by Coastline BMW, the Artist Residency award is supported by Montville Country Cabins, the artwork transport and logistics is via International Art Services the awards are presented in partnership with Horizon Festival and supported by Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra
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The exhibition will be held from August 26 to October 16. The Caloundra Regional Gallery is open from 10am, Tuesday to Sunday and located at 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
