RE_woke

by Leigh Schoenheimer

Re-Woke represented for the judges both a sincere tribute to a specific environment and a successfully resolved attempt to address some of the challenges and paradoxes facing our local landscapes in the 21st century. Painted on twin panels whose imagery juxtaposes those complementary principles which dominate all human affairs, Nature and Culture, RE_woke raises questions about the inherent difficulties of reconciling technology and development with the environment. The encounter between these diametrically imposed imperatives is thoughtfully presented: on one side, loosely applied paint and lyrical colour bring to mind the vital energy of the cycles of nature, on the other, a hard-edged, industrial aesthetic prevails. The judges admired not only the effective way in which the work presented the drama of these contrasting ideals, but also hope for their reconciliation, expressed though harmonies of colour which recur on both sides. This is an accomplished work which not only confronts topical issues but speaks about their complexities by means of a highly wrought pictorial language: the judges were unanimous in declaring it the winner.

Unfurled at Walking Pace

by Alexandra Matthews

According to the judges, Unfurled at Walking Pace succeeded admirably in meeting the challenge which faces all painters in general and representational painters in particular: that of reconciling a profusion of detail with the need to maintain an overall unity. All of those features which best evoke our city’s identity are present here: the hilly topography, a distinctive architectural style and sub-tropical vegetation; all are woven together seamlessly. This is an image that speaks of both the quiet pleasures of domestic life and a reassuring sense of community, one which avoids sentimentality by its clarity of vision, all-pervasive luminosity and compositional rigour.

This Cradled Coast

by Kym Mullen

The Judges felt that this was one of the most technically sophisticated works in the exhibition. It is a painting which represents the landscape through equivalence rather than a literal description of appearances. The essential character of the forms, textures and movements of a teeming ecosystem are here transformed into painterly gesture, pattern and the nuanced surface of the picture itself. The artist has brought one of our city’s most characteristic natural environments to life: that enchanting, mutable world governed by the rhythm of the tides, one which is nether truly of the land or of the sea. It is an invitation to reflect on the need not only to celebrate but to safeguard these fragile environments.

Preservation and Progress

by Dylan Jones

The judges admired the courageous execution of this painting. In its most effective passages, a rapidly applied impasto helps build a densely coherent surface, one which echoes the architectonic nature of the subject itself. Form and message also cohere in fluid, mobile gestures appropriate to the restless movement of transport networks. A highly resolved work which embodies the dynamism and flux of the contemporary city.

Millions of Miles from the Madness

by Gabi Mika-Mcnaughton

The Judges felt that this was one of the most technically sophisticated works in the exhibition. It is a painting which represents the landscape through equivalence rather than a literal description of appearances. The essential character of the forms, textures and movements of a teeming ecosystem are here transformed into painterly gesture, pattern and the nuanced surface of the picture itself. The artist has brought one of our city’s most characteristic natural environments to life: that enchanting, mutable world governed by the rhythm of the tides, one which is nether truly of the land or of the sea. It is an invitation to reflect on the need not only to celebrate but to safeguard these fragile environments.

Golden Peony

by Hyelan Kim

Striking pattern painting pushing the boundaries of watercolour, showing it can be used beautifully with other mediums to execute a unique personal expression. Very well presented.

Rainforest Walk

by Lauren Le Sueur

A delightful, fresh painting with confident, painterly mark-making that celebrates the qualities of watercolour.

Buttress Root Study

by Christian Bocquee

Wonderful subtle use of granulation, negative painting, restrained colour palette and good composition created a lovely moody and intimate painting.

The Hunt

by James Randall

This is a work that leaves the viewer wanting to know more. I absolutely love this work. It is wonderfully quirky with a fabulous colour palette that immediately captures attention. This contemporary work invites the viewer to their own interpretation, sparking engagement and curiosity. In the absence of additional context, this work encourages the viewer to bring their own reading and narratives, which I think is part of its appeal.
The artist demonstrates exceptional digital drawing skills, creating an image that is both visually sophisticated and totally engaging. The composition is wonderful, guiding the eye to spiral through the work.
The neat, understated framing has been thoughtfully considered and enhances the overall presentation. A highly accomplished piece that stays with the viewer.

Blue Antarctica

by Christine Hall

This is an impressive digital artwork that captures attention the moment you enter the gallery space. The artist’s sophisticated digital manipulation skills are evident throughout the work, resulting in an image that is both visually striking and conceptually engaging. The combining of elements and textures creates a dynamic eye catching surface.
Through the use of high contrast, rich tonal variation and multiple textures, the work displays the qualities of ice and water in a contemporary and compelling way. The composition is confident, balancing both abstraction and representation. The presentation is also thoughtfully considered, with strong framing that complements the work and enhances its overall impact within the exhibition space.

Aglio

by Belinda Stokes

This is a commanding charcoal drawing that excels in every aspect of presentation and execution. Beautifully float-mounted and enhanced by a gorgeous deckled edge, the work immediately conveys a sense of care, confidence and professionalism. The artist’s exceptional drawing skills are on full display, with every mark contributing to a highly resolved and visually compelling image.
The composition is outstanding, balancing strength and subtlety to create a sharp, high-contrast contemporary work on paper. The rich tonal variation and meticulous attention to detail draws the viewer in, for closer observation. The museum-style framing further elevates the presentation, complementing the artwork without overpowering it. Altogether, this artwork is a sophisticated and accomplished work of exceptional quality.

Lamentation

by Petrit Elshani

This is a beautifully executed graphite drawing on Bristol paper that demonstrates the enduring power of traditional figurative drawing. The artist has achieved a remarkable level of precision, with beautifully observed proportions, refined tonal control and exceptional attention to detail throughout the work.
This impressive piece showcases a strong understanding of form, anatomy and the subtle qualities of graphite as a medium. Created by a young artist, Lamentation is a particularly accomplished work, reflecting patience, discipline and a mature approach to drawing. The result is a sensitive and highly resolved figurative study that needs a closer look.

Nowhere

by Alan Innes

This artwork is a beautiful and highly accomplished artist book that combines illustration and digital media to evoke a rich sense of place. Despite its title, Nowhere feels as though it could be everywhere.
While the work has captured Meanjin (Brisbane), it speaks to experiences and perspectives that resonate far beyond its immediate setting. The imagery is engaging, the concept is strong, and the design is thoughtfully resolved, incorporating the transparent pages scattered through the book gives the quite densely illustrated book some breathing space. The production is exceptionally polished, with the hand-binding demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Together, these elements create a work that is both visually compelling and conceptually rich.

Congratulations to the artist. This work is of an exceptionally high standard and deserves serious consideration for inclusion in the National Artist Book Competition.

Escher Seascape

by Owen Hutchison

This is a fabulous example of contemporary woodcut printmaking. The level of skill required to produce a five-colour+ woodcut of this complexity is outstanding, demonstrating both masterful technical ability and careful attentions to detail. The artist has achieved outstanding clarity and depth through the layering of the coloured prints, resulting in a work that is visually rich and highly accomplished.

Particularly engaging is the charming, quirky and surreal seascape itself, with the school of giant fish in the foreground creating a sense of wonder and playfulness. The composition is thoughtfully resolved, with the pelicans breaking the linear frame, the light sparkling on the water.

The work has a beautiful, calming colour palette that enhances its tranquil charm, and is presented elegantly and professionally.

Springbrook

by Wayne Singleton

This artwork is a striking work that once again demonstrates this artist’s mastery of the printmaking medium. Exceptional Lino carving and printing skills are evident throughout, while the tasteful hand-colouring brings an added richness and vitality to the image. The scale of the work further enhances its impact, creating a commanding presence that draws the viewer into the scene. The composition is beautifully resolved, capturing the atmosphere of the landscape with remarkable sensitivity. There is such a strong sense of place that one can almost hear the leaves rustling in the breeze. Throughout the work, the artist displays exquisite attention to detail, balancing technical precision with an evocative and deeply engaging interpretation of the natural environment.

Market Day in Penang

by Alan Innes

The artist has spoilt us for choice with their wonderful submissions, but there is particularly much to admire in this piece. This artwork showcases this artist’s keen eye for storytelling applied in a distinctive visual language. The striking papercut edge surrounding the bananas at the base of the collaged drawing is a thoughtful and engaging detail, while the carefully considered thrown shadows add depth and visual intrigue.

The narrative-driven semiological imagery draws the viewer into the work, inviting closer inspection and rewarding sustained engagement. The work, rich with symbolism and layered meaning, unfolds revealing new details over time. The work is presented to a very high standard, with excellent framing that complements and enhances the overall presentation of this accomplished and memorable artwork.

Congratulations to the artist for what appears to be a wonderful year of art making.

Erolyn

by Glen Gillard FRQAS

Confident mark making showing mastery of the medium. Great understanding of composition and colour use. Beautifully presented.

Dark Angel

by Kathy Sullivan

Unique vision using size and stature of the dog, combined with the mood of the background, gives the subject grandeur. Excellent handling of the medium.

Sunset Service (Remake)

by Luca Masotti

The use of tone and colour, the cutout and even the excellent framing, combine to create an intimate feel that draws the viewer in for a closer look in this unique piece.

Old Spring Hill

by Glen Gillard