A fresh selection for the 2014 John Fries Award
The finalists for the fifth 2014 Copyright Agency | Viscopy John Fries Award have been announced, an exciting selection of key emerging contemporary artists.
The finalists for the fifth 2014 Copyright Agency | Viscopy John Fries Award have been announced, an exciting selection of key emerging contemporary artists. The finalist’s exhibition will open on the 9 August till 6 September at Galleries UNSW, COFA. A suspenseful stage has been set in the lead up to the official exhibition opening 12 August, when the John Fries Award winner will be announced.
The John Fries Award is a generous prize, worth $10 000 it helps to support and establish emerging and previously unseen artists in their practice. This year’s finalists come from all states and territories, as well as New Zealand represented, whittled down from 546 entries.
With works from a range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, installation and a live performance work, the variety and high quality has left judges Sebastian Goldspink, Alexie Glass-Kantor, Jess Olivieri, Kath Fries and Megan Cope thrilled.
The Award’s guest curator and judge, Sebastian Goldspink said “The calibre of entries for this year’s awards set a new standard. There was a genuine sense of excitement in the judging room.”
Characteristic for its fresh and dynamic edge, the Award is noted for its ability to provide insight to what themes and ideas are being explored by contemporary artists.
“The John Fries always delivers something unexpected,” says Goldspink. “The artists display extraordinary imagination and take risks and I know everyone will be keenly watching and waiting for this year’s exhibition at Galleries NSW, COFA. It’s a fantastic celebration of the strength and diversity of Australasian emerging art!”
The 2014 John Fries Award finalists are: Abdul Abdullah, Justin Balmain, Ella Barclay, Tim Bruniges, Julian Day, Omar Chowdhury, George Egerton-Warburton, Marc Etherington, Hamishi Farah, Heath Franco, Samuel Hodge, Anna Horne, Juz Kitson, Anna Kristensen, Bridie Lunney, Daniel McKewen, Beryline Mung, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Alair Pambegan, Kate Scardifield, Marilyn Schneider, Jacqui Shelton, Jason Wing and Kentaro Yamada.
The annual prize was established by the Fries family in memory of the contributions of former Viscopy director John Fries. We look forward to this significant event in Australia’s art and cultural calendar.
2014 John Fries Award
9 August – 6 September
Galleries UNSW, COFA
www.viscopy.org.au/jfa
Images courtesy the artist Juz-Kitson and Copyright Agency | Viscopy
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