Artworks invited for gallery prize

ENTRIES are now open for the Bendigo Art Gallery’s Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize, with the winning painting set to join other significant works of contemporary Australian art in the gallery’s permanent collection.

Gallery curator Clare Needham said artists at the beginning of their career, as well as those whose creative practice is well established, are encouraged to enter the competition with a first prize of $50,000.

There’s with no limitations on theme, subject or painting style.

“For example, an artist painting their local landscape can enter alongside an artist painting photo-realistic portraits, as well as an artist exploring abstraction or disrupting established conventions,” Ms Needham said.

“This prestigious prize attracts a breadth of entries from right across the country who work with the medium of paint and approach the field of painting in very different ways.

“The judging panel will be looking for unique works of excellence and distinction.”

Ms Needham said while the significant cash prize for the winner provides “vital financial support”, just by entering artists are able to bring their work to the attention of the judges, and the exposure from being included in the finalist exhibition can lead to further opportunities.

“There is no doubt that winning can be a significant boost to an artist’s career and profile, but the opportunity to be selected as a finalist and have your work on display alongside your peers is also substantial,” she said.

“This kind of exposure, acknowledgment and access to broad audiences is often as much a motivation for artists than the potential of winning.”

In 2019 Chewton’s Jahnne Pasco-White took the grand prize with her piece messmates 1 – a synthetic polymer paint, fabric dye, oil stick, crayon, pencil, paper, canvas, cotton, linen, PVA, masking tape and bamboo on canvas.

More than 18 months down the track from her victory she said she’s still “in total disbelief.”

“This opportunity has shaped my career but also life in so many layers.

“In particular, having a young child at the time of winning meant that I have been able to be present both as a parent and an artist, and I feel deeply grateful for that,” she said.

“To be honest, I was shocked I was even shortlisted. Being exhibited at Bendigo Art Gallery alongside so many talented artists was exciting enough. The concept of winning didn’t even enter my mind.”

The biennial competition attracted a record 439 entries in 2019, with works received from every Australian state as well as France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The prize was the brainchild of the late Allen Guy CBE, in honour of his brother Arthur, whose life was tragically cut short while serving in New Guinea in 1945.

Entries for 2021 close at 4pm on Friday 20 August and can be submitted online.