Naked & Nude Art Prize 2019
Exhibition dates: 7 September - 13 October 2019
The winner of the Naked & Nude Art Prize 2019 is Laura Matthews, with her work Sea Creatures.
Judge, Denise Mimmocchi commented;
"This beautifully composed painting may be a landscape (or seascape) but it is one that pivots around the formation of the two female figures. Their connection to each other and to their beach setting is the true subject of the work. Despite the agitated surface texture of this painting; one that encapsulates the perpetual motion of the ocean setting, the work exudes a great sense of calm and intimacy. The figures here do indeed appear as ‘sea creatures’ as they are drawn into their environment, and lead us, as viewers, in with them. What small detail, we wonder, that has caught their attention on the shore?
The painting is ultimately such a successful one as it is charged with a strong sense of the physicality of the figures and the human connection between them and their environment."
Naked & Nude Art Prize 2019
‘Naked & Nude Art Prize’ is the only art award of its kind in Australia and will attract entries from across Australia from artists at all stages of their careers and working in all mediums. The theme ‘Naked & Nude’ is an evocative platform for creative inspiration, and artists delve into representations of the human form. With a history dating back to ancient times across many cultures, the exposed human figure is one the most enduring themes in the visual arts, and remains relevant to artists across all disciplines. The lucrative event this year carries a $30,000 Acquisitive prize, with the winning entry acquired by the Friends of the Gallery and donated to the Manning Regional Art Gallery permanent collection. A special people’s choice award of $1000 will be awarded by the visiting public at the conclusion of the exhibition.
The Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery Inc (FOGS) is very pleased to once again extend sincere thanks to Dr Philip and Dusty Walkom OAM, Gallery Patrons and donors of the $10,000 towards the Major Prize, for their continuing commitment to and support of the 2019 Naked & Nude Art Prize
Haworth Holdings - in Memory of Debbie Scargill
Anonymous supporters
Mr Norman Shapro and Ms Alana Parkins OAM
Dr Charles Everingham and Mrs Jan Everingham
Your Heritage Financial Planning Pty Ltd - Mr Alan and Ms Mary-Ann Tickle
Valerie Good Stacks Finance - Paul Stack
Mayo Private Hospital Dr Colin Rose OAM and Mrs Diane Rose OAM
Mid North Coast Sleep Clinic - Ms Jenny and Mr Michael Kent
Saxbys Pharmacy Paton Hooke Lawyers - Mr James Paton
Dr Simon and Mrs Helen Holliday
Dr Alan Hopcroft and Mrs Kimbell Hopcroft
Johnson & Thompson Chartered Accountants
Dr Peter Braude
Image Credit: Dagmar Cyrulla The Phone Call IV 2017, oil on linen, Winner of the 2017 Naked & Nude Art Prize. Image courtesy of the Artist