2015 Gallipoli Art Prize Finalists
Celebrating its 10th year and commemorating the Anzac Centenary, 2015 is a big year for the annual Gallipoli Art Prize. Marking 100 years since the Gallipoli campaign, the Anzac memory is more present than ever – demonstrated by the record number of entries received by the Prize this year.
Selecting 38 finalists from 183 entries, the moving subject matter of the Prize proved no easy selection for the judges John McDonald (writer and art critic for The Sydney Morning Herald), Jane Watters (Director, S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney) and Barry Pearce (former Head Curator of Australian Art, AGNSW) and John Robertson (Director, Gallipoli Memorial Club).
Artists were asked to respond to the themes loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship as expressed in the Gallipoli Club’s ‘creed’. Australian, New Zealand and Turkish artists invited to be part of the exhibition, could interpret the themes to any armed conflict in which Australia has been involved from 1915 up to the present day.
THE GALLIPOLI MEMORIAL CLUB CREED:
“We believe that within the community there exists an obligation for all to preserve the special qualities of loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship which were personified by the heroes of the Gallipoli Campaign and bequeathed to all humanity as a foundation for perpetual peace and universal freedom”.
John McDonald commented on the greater aim of the Prize, stating, “If the Gallipoli Art Prize has a broader purpose it is to make us reflect deeply on our common humanity and hold fast to those beliefs that show national identity in the best possible light.”
The selected finalists has resulted in an incredibly diverse exhibition in subject matter and style, however each share the commemorative sentiment. Each work will be accompanied by a heartfelt commentary from the artist about their painting.
The works will be on display at The Gallipoli Memorial Club, Circular Quay, with the winner announced 22 April, receiving $20 000 in prize money.
The Gallipoli Art Prize 2015
23 April – 3 May
The Gallipoli Memorial Club
Circular Quay
Courtesy the Gallipoli Art Prize and the artists
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