Cultures interwoven in winning art work

Angela Barrington Material Girl Coordinator http://www.tasregionalarts.org.au MR
A collaboration between a resident Tasmanian artist and an artist who moved to Tasmania from Liberia three years ago, has taken out the major award in the state’s women-only art competition, Material Girl 2009.

The winning work Pela, which means home when translated, was created by Janine Wright and Redempta Brasalen of Launceston. The women will share the $1 500 Rio Tinto Alcan Award for Overall Excellence for their nest-like sculpture, woven from green gage twigs and braided hair extensions.

The artists said their work responded to the theme Global Woman by focusing on women’s innate desire to build and rebuild a home, despite the challenges of relocation, dislocation and migration, and said their choice of materials related to their European and African backgrounds.

Launceston artists Jennifer Dickens and Brooke Atkins were also awarded for photographic works that raise issues about perceptions of womanhood. Ms Dickens won the $500 Zonta International Award for Highly Commended for a black and white photograph, Let’s Dance and Ms Atkins won the $500 Zonta International Award for Young Emerging Artist for an image titled Doll’s Pram, both of which challenged accepted notions of the female stereotype.

The Tasmanian Government’s $1 000 Premier’s Choice Award was won by Devonport artist Jacki Murphy for her pastel and digital composition.

The exhibition opening tonight at Launceston Church Grammar School’s Poimena Gallery was attended by 100 guests. The exhibition is coordinated by Tasmanian Regional Arts with support from the Tasmanian Government, and runs until 5 April 2009. A selection of works will tour to regional locations later this year.