The 16 finalists of the prestigious Bankwest Art Prize have been announced, highlighting the exceptional talent of a number of Western Australian sculptors.
Under the stewardship of Bankwest art curator, Sandra Murray, nearly 60 applicants had their submissions assessed based on their on contemporary approach; being conceptually refined and innovative.
The 2016 Bankwest Art Prize finalists are: Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Claire Bailey, Paul Caporn, Mikaela Castledine, Peter Dailey, Kevin Draper, Susan Flavell, Tarryn Gill, Paul Kaptein, Theo Koning, Lou Lambert, Angela McHarrie, Geoff Overheu, Mark Parfitt, Alistair Rowe and Andrew Sunley Smith.
The selection panel included: Mr Bruce Slatter, deputy head of school, School of Design and Art at Curtin University and winner of the inaugural Bankwest Art Prize for sculpture, Mr Simon Gilby, WA sculptor and finalist in the inaugural Bankwest Art Prize for sculpture and Ms Sandra Murray, art curator, Bankwest
Bankwest art curator, Sandra Murray, said the high standard from this year’s finalists is testament to the remarkable prowess of sculpture in this State.
“The contrast between experience and innovation will add to the excitement of the prize and I look forward to what promises to be a dynamic and captivating exhibition.”
Bankwest managing director, Rob De Luca, said that Bankwest has always been a proud and passionate supporter of the arts.
“It’s pleasing to see the Art Prize continue its support of Western Australian artists and to provide them with the opportunity for their works to be displayed in a professional gallery in their home State,” De Luca said.
The winner will be announced on November 22, with the sculptor taking home $30,000. Their winning piece will become part of the prestigious Bankwest Art Collection; a collection of over 450 works by WA artists. There will also be a People’s Choice Award, as voted by the public, to the value of $5,000.
The Bankwest Art Gallery will host a public exhibition showcasing all of the finalists’ artworks from 22 November 2016 to 10 March 2017.
The Bankwest Art Prize was established in 2001 and is considered the State’s most prestigious prize awarded exclusively to Western Australian artists. This is the first time the Bankwest Art Prize called for three-dimensional works which inspired entries from many local artists, placing contemporary Western Australian sculpture in the spotlight. There is currently no other art prize of such value that is committed solely to sculpture open explicitly to artists from Western Australia.
Kevin Draper, Penelopes Web II, 2015, forged and welded steel; installation view at Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe 2015
