Record number of entries for 2024 Sunshine Coast local contemporary art prize
By Sonia Isaacs
SEVERAL hinterland artists are among the record number of 280 entries received for the 2024 Local Contemporary Art Prize.
Prominent and emerging artists are on display from March 22 to May 5 at the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery including local artists Miles Allen, Lauren Jones and Laura Vecmane amongst the 40 finalists.
In partnership with the Friends of the Regional Gallery, the exhibition showcases a diverse array of artists.
Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc. President Fiona Heiner said that when the local art prize was first created in 2014, it was known as Local Artist – Local Content.
“Now in its 10th year, the prize has been given fresh energy via its new name Local Contemporary Art Prize, an increase to the prize money and broadened criteria to allow for more diverse content,” Ms Heiner said. Flaxton Artist Miles Allen’s clever and evocative work ‘Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Beerwah and Mt Coonowrin’ has been created using locally sourced recycled wood and road signs and roofing. In his artist statement to accompany the work he said the mountains were culturally significant to the First Nations Peoples, the traditional owners.
“The land between the peaks is now mainly used for pineapples and commercial forestry. The structured and linear patterns of pineapples and pine trees contrast sharply with the majestic, dominating and organic forms of the mountains,” the artist said.
He said he was delighted with his selection, and it was wonderful to be accepted into the competition alongside some of the best artists on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s an opportunity for all artists and visitors to compare the works in a gallery setting and to see the depth and diversity of visual arts in this area. I like that the competition is open to a wide range of styles and genres,” he said.
Witta artist Serge Grimaitre has also submitted a Glass House Mountains inspired piece with ‘First Contact’, and Mapleton based Lauren Jones has entered ‘Slow fading Radiance’, a still life painting inspired by the late 19th century French artist Henri Fantin Latour.
“I’m interested in the space between loose impressionism and realist tonal work. I like to see the workings and movement of the paint, but I also like to explore the representation of light and trueness of shadow and tone,” she stated.
“Postcards from Lake Cootharaba’ features the work of Laura Vecmane from Maleny who described her artwork as focusing on intricate details and appreciating ever-changing interactions between the water and land. Hinterland photographer Ketakii Jewson Brown and Shaye Hardisty have submitted a collaborative mixed media piece ’It’s enough now’ from their excellent ‘Keep women busy so they don’t get too angry’ series which explores ideas around collective feminine rage, women’s roles, and the expectations of womanhood. The exhibition launch and winners’ announcement will be held on March 21 with tickets available on the gallery website.
Caloundra Regional Gallery is open from 10am, Tuesday to Sunday, and located at 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.