An uncanny collection of 2D artworks goes on show today with 40 finalist artworks coming together in the punchy, inspiring, thought-provoking Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2022 Exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery.
The region's flagship contemporary Art Prize includes impressive art works from local and national artists and is on show until October 16, 2022.
The works explore everything from the imperfections of the human form and investigation of a mental state to the resilient power of nature and pure joy at the emergence from lockdown, and tell a fascinating, personal and insightful story of the artists' lives over the past year.
Sunshine Coast Council invites audiences to visit the gallery or go to gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to vote for their favourite artwork in the People's Choice prize. The prize, a $100 Gallery Store voucher, is sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.
Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the exhibition was intense and exciting.
"The selected artworks are an honest and interesting reflection of our times," Cr Baberowski said.
"For me it's the most complex representation of contemporary art we have attracted in recent years—it's a mix I find inspiring and remarkably uplifting.
"The timing of the art prize, on exhibition during the school holidays, makes it especially valuable, allowing our next generations to explore this expression of our culture and maybe further trigger their creativity and interest in art."
Caloundra Regional Gallery Manager and Curator Jo Duke said the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2022 was again full of movement.
"The 40 finalist works are filled with memory of people and places and a great mix of realism and abstraction," Ms Duke said.
"There will be works that will take your breath away, works for contemplation and others that will question what you see, and create conversation."
Sunshine Coast Art Prize Winners will be announced by this year's guest judge Ellie Buttrose, Curator, Contemporary Australian Art, QAGOMA on October 6, 2022.
Ms Buttrose will award the recipients of the Major prize, Highly Commended and Artist Residency, while the People's Choice prize is chosen by visitors to the exhibition.
Prizes and supporters
- Major prize $25,000 – supported by major sponsor Argon Law Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council
- Highly Commended prize $5000 – sponsored by the De Deyne Family
- People's Choice prize: $2,500 – sponsored by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
- Art prize vehicles – supported by Coastline BMW
- Artist Residency award – supported by Montville Country Cabins.
Artwork transport and logistics – International Art Services (IAS).
Presented in partnership with Horizon Festival.
Supported by Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra.
