The winners of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder 2018 Art Prize were announced at an awards evening at the Goldfields Arts Centre last month. The annual event took a new direction this year, offering a major $20,000 acquisition prize with artists having to submit work to a theme of gold.
The City’s Overall Gold Award was presented to Christine Carmody (right) by Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan.
Ms Carmody was awarded the top prize of $20,000 and is invited to display a full exhibition in the Goldfields Arts Centre Gallery.
“The Art Prize was judged by three leading Western Australian arts industry figures, Andrew Frazer, Kado Muir and Lyn Di Ciero. The Art Prize had over 200 entries this year,” said City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder CEO John Walker.
“The high standard of work made the judging a difficult task, and as you can see the winners all displayed beautiful skill and technique in their mediums.
“The Art Prize is a great event to showcase the City’s local arts and culture industry. It is vital that the City caters to the needs of all residents, and provides local artists of all ages and cultural backgrounds an opportunity to express themselves,” said Mr Walker.
The winners of the categories are as follows:
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Overall Gold Award – Acquisitive $20,000
Tjala by Christine Carmody, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The Art Prize Judges said, “An Indigenous voice drawing comparisons between the path of the honey ant and man’s pursuit of mining. The work unites the concept of mining with the industry of nature in a powerful composition with an epic vertical narrative.”
First Nations Award $3,500
Manta-Nga Kalgoorlienya by Bettina Faye Robinson, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The Art Prize Judges said, “A complex work driven by optical qualities reflecting the shimmering quality of gold.”
Best Artwork by a Kalgoorlie-Boulder Artist $3,500
Native Form by Kelly Arcaro, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The Art Prize Judges said, “A superbly intricate work with fine technical skills. Small in scale, large in visual impact.”
Emerging Artist $2,000
Speck of Gold by Teena Camarata, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The Art Prize Judges said, “Originality of staging and composition. An outstanding work.”
Emerging Young Artist $2,000
Goldfields Map by Zachriah George, Coolgardie.
The Art Prize Judges said, “With a well-considered composition & restrained palette the painting speaks of the beauty found in simplicity. Complimented by the consistent and precise dot work it is evident the respective has a bright future in the arts ahead of them.”
Best Painting $1,000
Golden Shadows by Vania Lawson, Perth.
The Art Prize Judges said, “A sophisticated work with a powerful delivery.”
Best Photography $1,000
Gold by Abby Murray, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The Art Prize Judges said, “A technically beautiful and arresting work capturing the essence of the Goldfields through architectural grandeur.”
Best Sculpture (3D) $1,000
Reliquary for the Golden Gumnut by Alastair Taylor, Perth.
The Art Prize Judges said, “Quirky and eclectic repurposing of materials celebrating the humble gum nut.”
Best Upcycled $1,000
Them there trees have gold in their Leaves by Kerrie Argent, Lake Grace.
The Art Prize Judges said, “An innovative use of materials backed by insightful research drawing reflecting the ongoing story of innovation in exploration for gold.”
Best Jewellery $1,000
Gold Florin coin ring by Lucy Cocks, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The Art Prize Judges said, “Reflects how the journey of gold can be long and interesting as it lives alongside us.”