A compelling video work has won the churchie national emerging art prize for Sydney artist, Liberté Grace.
Liberté Grace’s The Perfect Boy Myth (version 1) (2013) was chosen as overall winner from 32 finalists. She receives the $15,000 cash prize donated by Brand + Slater Architects.
‘the churchie’ is recognised as one of Australia’s most rewarding emerging art awards and this year’s judge, leading Sydney contemporary art dealer and gallerist, Roslyn Oxley, commented: “The Perfect Boy Myth was such a good work, strong, mature, and highly sophisticated”.
“It’s gutsy and you can see her dedication to the project. In the production you can see control over her art form, and I was impressed with her direction, especially in getting the actors to respond in a narrative that is quite abstract.
“There is a tension in the film. It is thought provoking and the story leaves you guessing – which is a good thing. I have a feeling that Liberté Grace will have a great future,” said Roslyn.
Many artists, who Roslyn represents, joined her gallery as unknown names and have gone on to being among the best in Australian contemporary art, some with careers of international significance, including Tracey Moffatt, Bill Henson, David Noonan, Patricia Piccinini, Dale Frank, Fiona Hall, Destiny Deacon, James Angus and Jenny Watson.
In ‘the churchie’, Roslyn also gave out two high commendations, each with a cash prize of $1000, to:
• Annika Koops from Melbourne, Vic (b. 1983, Ulverstone, Tasmania) for her digital photograph, Sissy (2012).
• Becc Orszag from Melbourne, Vic (b.1986, Melbourne, Victoria) for her three drawings titled, Do as we do (2011-12), My Other Half (2011-12), and The Sisters (2012).
“The ‘churchie’ prize is a great opportunity for artists,” said Roslyn.
“It’s been around since 1987, and its consistency and the reputation of the artists involved makes it stand out. Commitment is everything in life, isn’t it?
“The standard of the finalists this year is quite high overall. There are some artists with great talent, and I could have picked several artists deserving of high commendation.
“What I would say though, is that if you enter a prize, you really should go in to win. In some of the works I didn’t see the conviction that it takes to win,” said Roslyn.
Headmaster of Anglican Church Grammar School, Mr Jonathan Hensman, will officially open ‘the churchie’ exhibition of finalists tonight at 6pm, followed by the prize announcement at Griffith University Art Gallery (GUAG) at the Queensland College of Art, 226 Grey Street, South Bank.
In 2013 ‘the churchie’ attracted 586 entries in a field of almost 300 artists from across Australia.
There are 32 finalists, and 37 artworks* are being exhibited at ‘the churchie’ exhibition at GUAG until September 7.
GUAG Acting Director, Naomi Evans, who was on the selection committee, described Amy Tam’s entry as “a compelling short film”.
“I didn’t expect to see an entry with such high production values – it’s not usual for an emerging artist to pull this off. I quite like that The Perfect Boy Myth straddles film and video art genres and presents a disjointed narrative with assurance and restraint.
“The story contains elements of beauty and brutality, and Tam’s lighting and art direction combined with a captivating lead actor makes a powerful statement on big themes, like the misuse of power,” said Naomi.
All the artworks in ‘the churchie’ exhibition are for sale and range in price from $190 to more than $6500.
the churchie 2013
WINNER $15 000 PRIZE (sponsored by BRAND + SLATER ARCHITECTS)
Liberté Grace of Sydney (1 video art work)
b.1980, Melbourne, Vic.
The Perfect Boy Myth (version 1) 2013
HD video, single channel on flatscreen, 16:9, colour, stereo sound, edition 1/5
11:30 mins
Courtesy of the artist
HIGHLY COMMENDED (x 2)
Annika Koops of Melbourne (1 digital photograph)
b.1983, Ulverstone, Tas.
Sissy 2012
digital photograph, inkjet print, edition 2/4 + 1 AP
132 x 103cm
Courtesy of the artist, Nellie Castan Gallery, Melbourne, and Bett Gallery, Hobart
Becc Orszag of Melbourne (3 drawings)
b.1986, Melbourne, Vic.
Do as we do 2011-12
Graphite, carbon pencil on paper
46 x 36cm
My Other Half 2011-12
Graphite, carbon and charcoal on paper
37 x 28cm
The Sisters 2012
Graphite, carbon and charcoal on paper
56 x 43cm
Courtesy of the artist and Dianne Tanzer Gallery + Projects, Melbourne
Exhibition of ‘the churchie’ finalists’ works:
Until 7 September 2013
Exhibition venue:
Griffith University Art Gallery
Queensland College of Art
226 Grey Street, South Bank
Exhibition hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 4pm
Free admission
More information:
Naomi Evans / Acting Director
Griffith University Art Gallery
[email protected] / 07 3735 6102
Angela Brown / Head of Department – Art
Anglican Church Grammar School
[email protected] / 07 3896 2211
Carli Holloway / Director of Marketing and Communications
Anglican Church Grammar School
[email protected] / 07 3896 2243
More information on ‘the churchie’:
www.churchieemergingart.com
* Artists can enter up to three artworks in ‘the churchie’. In 2013, several artists had more than one of their entries selected as a finalist.
Naomi Evans / Acting Director Griffith University Art Gallery
