Five northern artists finalists in prestigious art awards

Arthur Apanaki from Coledale, and below his work, which has landed him in the finals of the prestigious Eutick Memorial Still Life Award. Pictures: Facebook and EMSLA

FIVE northern suburbs artists are among the 55 national finalists who will compete for this year’s prestigious Eutick Memorial Still Life Award (EMSLA).

To be announced on Friday, November 8 during a gala launch at Project Contemporary Artspace, Wollongong, the award has drawn entries from around the country including Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, NSW and the ACT.

The five northern suburbs finalists are Arthur Apanaki (Coledale), Anh Nguyen (Thirroul), John Boker (Bulli), Ken Finlayson (Corrimal), and Lisa Fahey (Fairy Meadow).

John Boker of Bulli, and below his work that has gained him a postion in the finals of the EMSLA. Pictures: Facebook and EMSLA

EMSLA Director Dr Leigh Summers praised the calibre of entries received this year, saying the finalists reflect the breadth of contemporary still life art.

“The scope of the art works we received was extraordinary and indicates the strength of Australia’s art scene,” she said.

“Our finalists have produced an incredible array of still life artworks that draw on both traditional roots and modernistic interpretations of the genre.

“Still Life art has experienced a resurgence in recent years and this competition has been leading the way since it was founded in 2006. It is inspiring to see so many newcomers entering the competition along with more well established artists.”

This year’s EMSLA competition will be judged by Jane Watters, the distinguished long-time director of SH Ervin Gallery housed in the historic National Trust Centre on Observatory Hill, The Rocks in Sydney.

Ms Watters has vast experience both curating and judging exhibitions, managing touring exhibitions, developing educational and public programs and caring for a collection of art works, objects and books.

Ms Watters said she was pleased to have the opportunity to judge the EMSLA, citing it as the nation’s premier still life art prize.

“The reputation of this award cannot be underestimated and continues to grow each year,” she said.

“Past winners have gone on to win or become finalists in other major Australian art prizes and this year’s competition looks impressive. I look forward to viewing the works in the exhibition and ultimately selecting a worthy winner.”

EMSLA was founded in 2006 by Dr Mal Eutick and has been based in Wollongong since 2017.

The EMSLA exhibition opens at 6pm on Friday, November 8 and runs to Sunday, December 1 2019 at Project Contemporary Artspace.