Media Release:
17 November 2008
Art continues to Inspire Education at Redlands
Julie Rrap has been awarded the prestigious title of winner of the Redlands Westpac Art Prize 2008 in the Selected Artist category. The prize money of $20,000 which is generously donated each year by Westpac makes Redlands Art Prize one of the richest on offer in Australia.
Julie has been an important figure in Australian contemporary art for over twenty years. Since the mid-1970s, she has worked with photography, painting, sculpture, performance and video in an on-going project concerned with representations of the body.
Her winning piece titled ‘Stasis Symbol’ forms part of a larger series, ‘Not A-Muse’ which playfully undermines traditional notions of the muse as inspirational support figure. Reflecting on Magritte’s surrealist capacity (Not a Pipe) to challenge and surprise, these works conflate beauty and the grotesque in order to locate desire in a more uncertain place.
“It came as a great surprise as there are so many terrific pieces on show in this exhibition and I think it is quite an original and nice aspect that there is a nominated artist category,” said Ms Rrap.
Winner of the Konica Minolta nominated art prize is Lauren Brincat. Lauren who is one of Australia’s most talented rising stars was nominated by 2008 Archibald Prize winner, Del Kathryn Barton. Her video work was able to be included in this year’s event due to Curator Imants Tillers decision to embrace all categories of contemporary practice in the exhibition.
Laurens video work, ‘It will come pa rum pum pum pum’, references the traditions of performative art along with the sweaty masculine performances of rock 'n roll music. She graduated in 2004 with First Class Honours from Sydney College of the Arts and she completed a Masters in 2006.
Redlands Principal, Dr Peter Lennox congratulated the two winners and thanked all the artists for their participation at the opening night cocktail party held on Friday 14 November.
“Congratulations and sincere thanks to the wonderful artists, whose imagination, passion and creativity have presented extraordinary works of art,” said Dr Lennox.
In establishing the Art Prize in 1996, Redlands had two objectives - to demonstrate its commitment to the arts within the school learning environment, and to offer a prestigious award to benefit the careers of individual artists and the broad arts community.
“Since its commencement, the Redlands Westpac Art Prize has provided unique opportunities for our students through our expanding teaching collection which is comprised of the winning art works from each year’s exhibition,” said Dr Lennox.
“Our students have enjoyed the educational benefits of direct engagement with artists, and educational lessons are structured around the inspiring and thought-provoking works of some of Australia’s leading artists,” said Dr Lennox.
The exhibition is on display at the Mosman Art Gallery, cnr Myahgah Rd and Art Gallery Way from 15 November to 30 November. Admission is free.
Redlands thanks its sponsors whose generous donations have helped catapult the Redlands Westpac Art Prize to be one of the most sought after prizes for Australian artists.
Relationship Director for Westpac, Graydon Conde says, “It is great for Westpac to be involved in such a noteworthy exhibition that showcases some of the best contemporary artists both from Australia and overseas.”
National Marketing Manager, John Venett says, “Konica Minolta is proud to be sponsoring the country’s most generous emerging artist’s prize. We hope this will support the next generation of creative talent, at the same time offering an opportunity for new artists to break into a discerning industry.”
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To arrange interviews or for further information please contact Julia Southgate on 9234 3812 or 0414 276 990 |
