The ANL Maritime Art Award 2019 – $15,000 Acquisitive
Maria Kontis, Barely surviving and merely looking on, pastel on paper
The judges described it as ‘a deceptively humble, relaxed work with great pathos and ambition, but phrased in a unique artistic language. Using a virtuoso technique, it fulfils the brief of the prize admirably.’
ASP ‘Best Traditional Maritime Art Award’ – $5,000 Acquisitive
Jenny Viney, Men at Work, watercolour on canvas
The judges commented; ‘This painting explores the intimate connection between industry and shipping, reminding the viewer that many ports around Australia are located in remote places of great natural beauty.’
Nevile & Co ‘Runners Up Award’ – $2,000
Barbara Tyson, Weight of Living, oil on canvas
This winning work ‘combines a modernist collage of nautical allusions with an inventive and almost shockingly bold composition,’ said the judges. Tyson continuously studies the textures and depths of oils, embracing portraiture and still life, emphasising the play of light. The common themes through all of her art are controlled freedom and movement.
VICT Emerging Artist Award – $2,000 Acquisitive
Raj Panda, Looking Back to Look Forward, acrylic on canvas
Raj Panda took up art as a tool to cope with depression and now art is his voice and passion – ‘Art has helped me discover my true self. I feel alive when I am creating art.’
The 2019 judging panel included: Dr Charles Green, Professor of Contemporary Art at the University of Melbourne, artist, and author of several books on Contemporary Australian Art; Graeme H. Williams OAM, art collector, Board Member of the Lorne Sculpture Biennale 2020 and past curator of Melbourne Savage Club Art Prize; Catherine De Boer, Artist, Designer & Educator.
This year’s 250 entries came from as far afield as Germany, Spain, Bangladesh, Pakistan, USA and New Zealand to create a diverse field from which to select the 90 works that are on show in the finalists’ exhibition at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria; hung throughout the public areas of the building, including in the Norla Dome from 4 to 20 October 2019. All works are available for purchase with artists generously donating 33% of the sales to the MtSV.
The $2,000 VIVA Energy People’s Choice Award will be drawn on the evening of Tuesday 8 October.
