Sunshine Coast Art Prize Exhibition will get people talking

What do a single roll of toilet paper, Einstein, gym socks and a stand-up comedian all have in common?

They all feature among the finalist works in the 2021 Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery.

The exhibition is on show 27 August to 10 October and features 40 finalist artworks, all vying for the attention of our voting public and guest judge Renai Grace, Director/CEO of the Museum of Brisbane.

Sunshine Coast Art Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said each year we were attracting more entries from across Australia.

“The inclusion of so many national artists in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition makes this a great showcase of art of the moment as well as a testament to our Art Prize’s standing on the Australian stage,” Cr Baberowski said.

“I’m also more than pleased to see that six of the 40 finalists were from the Sunshine Coast, a reflection of the creative talent of our own region” Cr Baberowski said.

“These are remarkably challenging times and I find it fascinating how this exhibition provides an insight into the feeling of the creative community at this time.

“Years from now, I wonder if we looked back on this time, armed with only this collection and the artist statements, how would we describe the sentiments of 2021?”

Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery Manager Jo Duke said there had been an incredible response to the nationwide call for entries.

“The range of artworks demonstrates the breadth of contemporary 2D art in Australia right now, and it is particularly exciting to see some really significant contemporary First Nations works in the finalist selection.

“This year’s submissions are of an exceptional standard in line with the prominence of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize as the flagship art prize for our region,” Ms Duke said.

“From exploring fragility through toilet paper to portraits captured by a stand-up comedian, this exhibition will challenge, inspire and start conversations.

“I encourage everyone to view exhibition and vote for their favourite piece in the People’s Choice category. For our national audience who may unfortunately be unable to travel due to border restrictions, the artworks can be enjoyed on our website and online voting is open Australia-wide.”

Christine Druitt-Preston, winner of last year’s People’s Choice Prize, described it as “an honour” to have her work chosen by the voting public.

“In these COVID-19 times, visiting a gallery - in person or remotely online - takes commitment and a degree of dedication. I know all the artists involved really appreciate it,” Ms Druitt-Preston said.

Winners will be announced on 23 September, with the event livestreamed on Caloundra Regional Gallery’s Facebook page.

The major prizewinning artwork will become part of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

The art prize offers a range of opportunities for finalists:

• Major acquisitive prize: $25,000 cash 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 prestige vehicle wraps: supported by Coastline BMW 
• Complimentary artwork transport supported by International Art Services (IAS)

Local finalists:

• Miles Allen – Flaxton
  • David Green – Buderim
  • Jennifer Herd – Eumundi
  • Peter Hudson – Maleny
  • Trevor Purvis – Cooroy
  • Amanda Shadforth – Alexandra Headland.