Artist and lecturer at the University of Tasmania, Neil Haddon, has been announced the winner of the $100,000 Hadley’s Art Prize for his work The Visit (2018). Haddon’s painting is a representation of British author H.G. Wells, who wrote ‘War of the Worlds’, cycling through a ‘Tasmanian’ landscape.
2018 winner of the Hadley’s Art Prize, Neil Haddon with his winning artwork, The Visit, 2018, oil and enamel paint on aluminium panel, 180 x 150cm. Represented by Bett Gallery, Hobart and This Is No Fantasy, Melbourne. Photograph: Jessica King
The judges; Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Clothilde Bullen, Principal Curator of Art at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Jane Stewart and leading Australian artist, Michael Zavros selected Haddon’s piece from a pool of 640 entries – twice as many as were received for the landscape prize’s inaugural year in 2017.
Judge Jane Stewart said despite long deliberations, the judges were united in their decision to award Haddon with the prize.
‘There is no doubt that his painting, The Visit, is a complex and accomplished painting that raises many questions about landscape, custodianship and contact history,’ Stewart said.
Commenting on the intriguing elements of the work, Bullen added, ‘The blue targets hover like eyes gazing at the audience while simultaneously providing a portal into the landscape,’ reflecting ‘The artist’s distinctive, refined technique indicates a point of resolution in his practice that is well worthy of the prize.’
In addition to the major acquisitive first prize, four Highly Commended Awards of $2,250 each were presented to artists Jacobus Capone, Tjukupati James, Daisy Japulija and Betty Kuntiwa Pumani.
Prize Curator Dr Amy Jackett said the exhibition this year was vibrant and celebrated many diverse approaches to landscape, featuring artworks from all around Australia. The finalist’s exhibition is on display across custom-designed gallery spaces throughout Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania until 25 August.
Highlights of the exhibition program include, a number of free and ticketed events and the audience will have the chance to vote for their favourite work in People’s Choice Award.
