Forty incredible artworks by artists from across Australia are now adorning the walls of Caloundra Regional Gallery for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020 exhibition.
From a record 711 entries, the finalists are vying for the major acquisitive prize of $25,000 sponsored by Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council.
This year's exhibition reflects exceptional 2D arts practice across Australia, encompassing a variety of mediums.
Finalists include established and emerging artists, such as Michael Nelson Jagamara, Hiromi Tango, Natalya Hughes, Bundit Puanthong and Joanne Currie Nalingu as well as Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2015 winner Robert Fenton and local artists Stefan Dunlop and Veronica Cay.
Community Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the exhibition demonstrated a shift towards artworks with stronger narratives and bolder expressions of feeling, colour and pattern.
"From COVID-19 inspired work to abstract, poignant and thought-provoking reflections on the world in which we live, this year's exhibition has it all," Cr Baberowski said.
"In the 15th year of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize, and the 20th anniversary of Caloundra Regional Gallery, it's an extra special year for the selected finalists to be involved.
"Don't miss this must-see exhibition, and when you visit, make sure you cast a vote for your favourite work in the People's Choice prize."
The Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020 will be judged by high profile and accomplished HOTA Gallery and Visual Arts Director Tracy Cooper-Lavery.
The winners will be announced on Thursday, November 19.
The exhibition will close on Sunday, December 6.
The 40 finalist artworks can be viewed online by visiting the gallery website – gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au. People's Choice votes can also be submitted online, as well as in the gallery.
The art prize offers a prize pool of more than $30,000 in cash and prizes including:
- Major prize: $25,000 acquisitive prize sponsored by Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council.
- Highly Commended prize: $5000 sponsored by the De Deyne Family.
- People's Choice prize: $2500 sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.
- Sunshine Coast Art Prize Residency: sponsored by Montville Country Cabins.
- Sunshine Coast Art Prize Cars: supported by Coastline BMW - wrapping two BMW vehicles and one motorcycle in finalist works and taking art to the streets.
Owned and operated by Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Regional Gallery is located at 22 Omrah Avenue and is open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 2pm.
COVID Safe plans are in place. Patrons are required to sanitise and sign in upon entry. If you are feeling unwell, please postpone your gallery visit until you are feeling better.
Image credit: Michael Nelson Jagamara | The Old Men | 2019 | acrylic on canvas | 100 x 140cm. Image courtesy of the artist and FireWorks Gallery, Brisbane.
