Joel Crosswell with his work, Galaxias, 2014, 5 drawings, ink on paper
Liam James with his work, Sunburnt Country 1 & 2, 2014, digital photograph
The 2014 Tidal: City of Devonport Art Award opened to a crowd of 140 people on Friday 12 December. The national biennial $15,000 prize, made possible by Devonport City Council and the Gallery’s Friends Committee, was awarded to Hobart artistJoel Crosswell for his work Galaxias, 2014, 5 drawings, ink on paper.
“This was my first time entering Tidal. I’m feeling very lucky!” – 2014 Tidal winner, Joel Crosswell
The 30 year old artist from Hobart grew up in Tasmania and completed a Fine Arts Degree at the University of Tasmania in 2008. During an artist residency in 2013, Crosswell discovered the endangered Galaxias fish in Tasmania’s central highland lakes:
“I was lucky enough when I was on this residency at the end of last year to come across a couple of these fish. So, that influenced a lot of my work I did for the residency. I actually thought the work fitted quite well with the theme of Tidal. The piece talks about existence and not just in animals but also in our own human form.”
Aside from the Galaxias, Crosswellis inspired by many influences: “I’m always reading and listening to music and watching different types of films – it’s the things around me that I’m influenced by.”
The judges also awarded two commendations to Troy Ruffels, Rift, 2013, digital print on aluminium; and Liam James, Sunburnt Country 1 & 2, 2014, digital photograph.
THE JUDGES
The judges for Tidal 2014 consisted of two nationally recognised art experts, Erica Green, Director, Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art, University of South Australia and Sean Kelly, Arts Coordinator, Moonah Arts Centre, Hobart, Tasmaniawho selected the 27 finalist’s works from 260 entries.
“Celebrating works of art that reflect on the sea and coastal regions, the Tidal Art Prize provides a valued opportunity for artists to make works of art that contribute to our understanding and appreciation of this most precious resource.” Erica Green
“The range of genres, media, in the entries to ‘Tidal’ 2014 was impressive indeed. The high number of artists from Tasmania proves that the standard of work in this State is very high and new artists of real quality emerge every time ‘Tidal’ comes around. This of course makes the judges’ job fascinating and almost impossible at the same time”. Sean Kelly
THE EXHIBITION
Tidal: City of Devonport Art Awardfeatures the work of the 27 finalists who were announced in September. Since its launch in 2004 as a non-acquisitive art prize, Tidal has grown in stature. In 2010 the Major Award was made acquisitive and the major award rose from $10,000 to $15,000. This was made possible by the hard work and support of the Gallery’s Friends Committee who raised the extra $5,000. Tidal is now recognised as a significant national award – not for the prize money alone ¬– the issues surrounding our seas and coastlines impact on every individual, in varying ways, across the universe.
Tidal attracts artists from across Australia at various stages in their careers. Previous major award recipients have included Patrick Pound, Neil Haddon, Marian Drew, Matthew Newton and Paul Snell. The Award provides a contemporary platform for artists to reflect upon the myriad perspectives and challenges inherent within the interconnections of land and sea while also encouraging excellence in conception, innovation and execution.
Visitors to the Gallery are encouraged to vote for their favourite work in the exhibition, which will go towards the Gallery’s $1,000 People’s Choice Award to be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Ellie Ray, Director. Tracy Broomhall, Gallery Administration Officer
