Acquisitional Major Prize
Judges’ comments: An unquestionable standout. The clarity of shape, colour and narrative describe a relationship with the land that is joyous. The layering of paint conveys a sense of place and life as well as symbolism between humans and animals.
First Nations Art Award
- Sweating, shaking on Dingo Rock – Northam WA by Emma-Lee Maher
Judges’ comments: An intricate and haunted depiction of an emotional childhood memory. Emma-Lee’s technique is beautiful in portraying a powerful story that goes directly to the heart of Australian gothic. It is haunting, traumatic and real, conveying a physical and psychological experience.
Best Artwork by a Kalgoorlie-Boulder Artist Award
- Diane by Melissa Drummond
Judges’ comments: Melissa’s work left us in awe, presenting a beautifully balanced portrait that skillfully captures colour, gaze, and texture. The portrait perfectly depicts the subject’s history and personality, evocative of a life well lived.
Emerging Young Artist Award
- Chloe Richards – Artwork Self Doubt is Never Right
Judges’ comments: We found Chloe’s piece to be charming and whimsical. A contemporary retelling of a classic tale told with clarity and a message of positivity. Chloe’s piece provides a strong narrative that is both inspirational and despairing, reinterpreted for the new generation.
Emerging Artist Award
- Paige Davey – Artwork You say something?
Judges’ comments: An arresting composition that perfectly evokes the drama, anxiety, and yet boredom of youth. This piece is a genuine reflection on the pressures of youth experiences in a raw and honest way, whilst finding optimism in a dark future. You Say Something effectively referenced pop culture and is a humorous reflection on contemporary technology.
Best Painting Award
Judges’ comments: Classic, unmediated, and unambiguously Kalgoorlie. We loved the humourous, whimsical, and joyous sense the painting captures. Friday provides an immediately recognisable, charming, and highly relatable render of Friday night frivolity in Kalgoorlie.
Best Photography Award
- In my dreams… I am dirty, broke, beautiful and free by David Cossini
Judges’ comments: A powerful image that captures human relationships in its simplest form. The piece wonderfully captures warmth, friendship, and joy in the face of discomfort and adversity.
Best Works on Paper Award
- Between layers by Tatiana Amaral
Judges’ comments: A highly considered and sophisticated use of material. This piece expanded into a sculptural form through layering, texture, and colour. It is an effective use of medium for both ‘on paper’ and ‘with paper’, conveying a sense of place and emotive strata.
Best 3D Works Award
- Inner-city Gold by David Chambers
Judges’ comments: A delicate and precarious piece. Inner-City Gold is a beguiling representation of the dynamic natural systems that lie beneath our feet. Inner-city Gold describes a sense of place that is both micro and macro, resilient yet fragile, beautiful yet functional. It links what is above and below, finding common ground between human experience and nature.
Best Mixed Media and Textile Award
- Beverley by Jenelle Basten
Judges’ comments: A labour of love and celebratory sense of memory. Beverley is a heartwarming portrait, showcasing the memories and connections that survive, even after a long period of time. Jenelle clearly embedded her love into every stitch of the piece.
Golden Hands Award
- Fly in, Fly out town by John Scott
This category winner is selected by the curating team.
Curating team comments: This artwork was selected for its exceptional portrayal of many mining towns as well as his home. The artist ingeniously used trouser zips, also known as fly closures, in a dynamic rotation to symbolise the transient nature of the fly-in, fly-out lifestyle. The voters were captivated by the artist’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to portraying his vision and message.
People's Choice Award
- Sea Dweller by Sarah Rankin
This category winner was chosen the winner by popular vote from visitors to the 2023 Art Prize Exhibition.
2023 Art Prize Exhibition Online Tour
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