James Drinkwater wins 2014 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship

James Drinkwater has won the 2014 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship for his body of work, highlighted by his painting Port de bra.

30 year old Newcastle-based artist, James Drinkwater has won the 2014 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship for his body of work, highlighted by his painting Port de bra. As the winner, Drinkwater receives $25,000 and a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, which is administered by the Art Gallery of NSW.

Seven finalists were selected from 99 entries for this scholarship, now in its 16th year. This year’s judges were distinguished Australian painter Jude Rae and Head of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of NSW, Wayne Tunnicliffe.

Commenting on the work of James Drinkwater, Jude Rae said: “His body of work highlighted by Port de Bra brings a distinct personal vision and a strong lyrical sensibility to a sound grasp of the material tradition of painting. James has already developed a substantial and well integrated practice that provides a sound basis for future work.”

The judges also highly commended Emma Beer’s work Heat waves and stature. Jude Rae commented: “Her painting combines an elegant and sophisticated exploration of material process with an understanding of its historical precedents.”

A small selection of the finalists’ work is on display at the Brett Whiteley Studio, which is managed by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Brett Whiteley Studio
5 September to 26 October 2014
2 Raper Street, Surry Hills

James Drinkwater, Port de bra, 2014, oil on board, 122 × 92cm
Courtesy the artist and the AGNSW