Record-Breaking Submissions and Diverse Artworks Make This Year's Event Unmissable
The Wyndham Art Prize 2023 unites artists from Wyndham and throughout Melbourne, showcasing their creative talents. Now in its ninth year, the competition has received a record-breaking number of submissions, with over 550 artworks entered. Out of these, 71 have been chosen as finalists for this year’s exhibition, including nine talented local artists.
Cr Mahfoud, the Creative City portfolio holder for Wyndham City, commented on the diverse range of entries: “This year’s submissions featured an array of sculptural forms, including large suspended works, various ceramic techniques, and fiber practices.” The artworks explore pressing global themes, such as the impact of war on global disruption and concerns regarding social inequality.
The exhibition provides an opportunity for the community to appreciate the remarkable skills and conceptual ideas that underpin contemporary art practices. The annual contemporary art prize attracts entries from some of the finest artists across Australia and also offers emerging and local artists a chance to exhibit alongside them.
The finalists for the Wyndham Art Prize 2023 include a diverse group of artists: Ourania Amvrazis, Ingmar Apinis, Mart Basa, Anna Battersby, Jeremy Blincoe, Deirdre Boeyen-Carmichael, Claire Bridge, Penny Burnett, Fiona Cabassi, Patricia Casey, Benjamin Cole, Bonnie Connelly, Christina Darras, Penelope Davis, Karl de Waal, Jessica DiCosta, Patrick Duffy, Elizabeth Dunn, Mito Elias, Moey Eltom, Aidan Gageler, Louise Galea, Bob Gibson, Clive Gono, Tim Gregory, Ali Griffin, Jody Haines, Stephen Haley, Spencer Harrison, Katherine Hattam, Guy Hayes, Kristy Hussey, Zoe Jones, Kate Just, Ayman Kaake, Duain Kelaart, Damien Laing, Laniyuk, Ryan Andrew Lee, Katheryn Leopoldseder, Eugenia Lim, Arrayah Loynd, Penny Mason, Hannah McKellar, Lucia Mocnay, Rachel Morley, Nandita Nadkarni, Britt Neech, Connor Ovenden-Shaw, Arty Owens & Enza Gandolfo, Helen Philipp, Izabela Pluta, Victoria Reichelt, Abbey Rich, Carol Rowlands, Rukz One, Thitibodee Rungteerawattananon, Johny Salama, Lee Salomone, Carman Skeehan, Louise Meuwissen, Cathy Staughton, Mark Smith, Meagan Streader, Datsun Tran, Jen Valender, Elizabeth Anne van Herwaarden, Luke Wagner, Sarah Walker, Moreen Wellington Lyons, and Prita Tina Yeganeh.
All the shortlisted entries will be exhibited at the Wyndham Art Gallery from Wednesday, August 16, until Sunday, October 22, 2023. This year’s panel of judges includes Jason Smith, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery; Nicole Durling, Executive Director at Craft Victoria; and Gail Harradine, Curatorial Manager at Koorie Heritage Trust.
The prize money for 2023 consists of the highly sought-after Wyndham Art Prize worth $15,000 (non-acquisitive), the Local Emerging Art Prize valued at $5,000 (acquisitive), and the People’s Choice Award totaling $2,500. The gala opening event will take place on Thursday, August 16, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Wyndham Cultural Centre. The event is free and open to all participants, art enthusiasts, and community members.
The exhibition will be accessible to the public from Wednesday, August 16, until Sunday, October 22, 2023. Admission to the gallery is free, and the opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with extended hours on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. The gallery remains closed on public holidays. The Art Gallery is a prominent attraction in Werribee City Centre, continuously evolving into a vibrant hub for residents, professionals, students, and visitors alike.
