Elham Eshraghian wins the 2018 Schenberg Art Fellowship

The 2018 Schenberg Art Fellowship – with a cash prize of $40,000 – has been awarded to ‘Hatched: National Graduate Show’ finalist, University of Western Australia graduate Elham Eshraghian for her 2-channel digital video, Bohrân (2017).

The judges of this year’s fellowship were Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) Director Amy Barrett-Lennard, Chief Cultural Officer of UWA Cultural Precinct Ted Snell and Executive Editor of Artlink Eve Sullivan.

‘Drawing from her Iranian Baha’i heritage, Elham successfully combined personal narrative with a broader perspective of world history and politics,’ said the judges. ‘The interplay between the two projections which feature choreographed dance sequences, text, archival footage and shadow-play reveal a confident and sophisticated use of her chosen medium and a sensitive and considered approach to difficult subject matter.’

Now in its 27th year, the ‘Hatched: National Graduate Show’ is a showcase of some of the best new works by emerging artists. The 2018 edition features 30 of the most promising artists from 23 of Australia’s art schools and universities, on show at PICA until 15 July 2018. From painting, sculpture and drawing, to installation, video, and sound work, ‘Hatched’ offers an intriguing snapshot of current contemporary art practices in Australia.

For the first time, PICA is extending its support of early career artists by offering three ‘Hatched Residencies’, supported by North Metropolitan TAFE and The Minderoo Foundation. These residencies allow Eshraghian along with Sacha Barker and Kate Bohunnis to each spend six weeks in one of PICA’s studio spaces to further develop their practice and test new ideas.

www.pica.org.au