The winner of the $25,000 Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing for 2020 was announced at the official opening of the finalists’ exhibition on Friday 28 February at the Adelaide Perry Gallery in Sydney. Art Almanac congratulates Charles Cooper whose winning drawing, State Forest, will become part of the PLC Sydney Collection.
Forty-three finalists were selected by this year’s judge, Dr Felicity Fenner, Associate Professor, UNSW Art & Design from a very high standard of entries received from artists across Australia. Dr Fenner commended the participating artists for the fine selection of drawing on display making special mention of Highly Commended artists Nic Mason, Catherine Tait and Richard Lewer.
Winner of the 2020 Perry Prize for Drawing: Charles Cooper, State Forest. Installation view at Adelaide Perry Gallery, PLC Sydney 2020
In her judge’s statement, Dr Fenner said ‘Drawing has an immediacy not easily achieved in other media. The initial shock and ongoing grief felt by us all for the flora and fauna wiped out by the recent fires is eloquently captured by many of the works in this exhibition. In times of crisis, art can hold a mirror not only to the events of the day but to society’s feelings in response. Collectively, the drawings selected for this year’s exhibition offer an insightful and empathic response to the world in which we live.’
This year, a new category was introduced. The Principal’s Choice acknowledges the ongoing support of Dr Burgis and marks the 15th anniversary of the Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing. Filippa Buttitta is the first recipient, for her striking portrait of fellow artist Tony Costa.
The Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing 2020 Exhibition of Finalists continues until 27 March 2020. Visitors can vote for a People’s Choice award, to be announced at the close of the exhibition.
plc.nsw.edu.au/microsites/adelaide-perry-gallery/adelaide-perry-prize-for-drawing
