In October of 2023, several members of Argon Law, along with our VIP guests, attended the official Winners Announcement of the 2023 Sunshine Coast Art Prize. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the talented prize winners and finalists who graced us with their exceptional works from all corners of Australia!
In our fifth year as Major Sponsors, Argon Law were honoured to have our director, John Gallagher, present the winning prize to Judith Crispin, for her masterpiece, Jenni, in spirit form, watches the first UFOs appear above the West MacDonnell Ranges.
We were fascinated with this piece, especially the process involved using decomposition chemistry. In the coming year, Argon Law will display “Jenni” in a place of prominence within our offices, and we extend an open invitation to you to come and admire this remarkable artwork.
The Highly Commended Prize (proudly sponsored by the De Deyne Family) went to Anna Carey with her photography of miniature model artwork You can bring your fantasies to earth.
The winner of the People’s Choice Prize Cateogry was the eye-catching Paddle Pool by Seabastion Toast, the painting representing a collage of suburban summer memories. This prize of $2500 was sponsored by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.
Finally, the Artist Residency was awarded to Fiona Lowry with her airbrushed In the Colour-Blind Night.
The scope and quality of the finalist works no doubt presented a difficult decision for guest judge Simon Elliott and the visiting public as they voted for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award. It was an incredible exhibition with a diverse portrayal of subjects in a range of styles, from traditional oils and acrylics to new media and digital compositions.
Visitors to the gallery or the gallery website had until September 28, to vote for their favourite artwork for a chance to win a $100 gallery store voucher, which boated an ever-changing array of unique pieces made by local artisans.
Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all the talented artists who participated in this event, as well as to the dedicated organisers and curators who made this extraordinary exhibition possible. We eagerly anticipate our continued support for this event in 2024!
John said, “This is our 5th year as Major Sponsor, alongside the Sunshine Coast Council, of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize. We see it as a great privilege to be involved with this wonderful event and to support and promote the visual arts in this region.”
“Sunshine Coast Art Prize is always the highlight of our year at Argon Law. We are celebrating 10 years in business this year, so the exhibition has been a big part of our history. It has always been an Argon Law guiding principle to give back to the community and what better way to do that than to sponsor the major prize.”
“We recognise the importance of the arts in a healthy and successful society and economy. The arts as an industry is, by itself, an important part of our economy, but the creativity which the arts inspire is an essential part of our survival and success in all other facets of our economy. We are incredibly lucky to be living in this community and to have thriving and passionate arts and business communities. “
Gallery Manager and Curator Jo Duke said the 40 finalist artworks offered a profound and unapologetic interpretation of our world today.
“Interestingly, this year’s works take a step away from the abstract, and a leap towards realism and expressive modes of making,” Ms Duke said.
“You’ll find the most pressing issues of today clamouring to be heard, juxtaposed against the beauty of our community and environment.
“The Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2023 exhibition also marks a shift towards new media, resulting in some innovative and thought-provoking submissions.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said 2023 marked the 18th year of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize — the region’s flagship art award.
“The acquisitive art prize is part of Council’s collecting strategy, to build a significant cultural asset for the region, which can be enjoyed by current and future generations,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Council’s continued investment in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize, together with that of generous local sponsors, philanthropists and partners, supports The Sunshine Coast Arts Plan 2018-2038 vision: ‘The soul of our community is our flourishing arts ecology: nurturing connections, promoting experimentation and inspiring collaboration’.
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