A wide mix of creative talents were honoured at this year’s ILT Southland Art Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony at He Waka Tuia in Invercargill on Friday, 10 October.
Now in its second year, the event drew 155 entries, with 67 artworks selected as finalists across seven award categories. He Waka Tuia Manager Sarah Brown said, “This year’s ILT Southland Art Awards are an exuberant celebration of the incredible artistic vision we have here in Southland and beyond, and we want to say a huge congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards.”
She added, “It is a privilege to be able to showcase the incredible talent of the artistic community, both here at home in Southland and from throughout the motu. The ILT Southland Art Awards are a brilliant celebration of artistry, innovation, and imagination, and it’s a privilege to be able to acknowledge and recognise the creativity of each of the finalists.”
The judging panel featured Suter Art Gallery Director Toni Mackinnon and Dunedin Public Art Gallery Curator and art historian Lauren Gutsell. Mackinnon said, “After selecting the works from photographs, it was great to be face-to-face with the pieces. They look fantastic in the space.”
Gutsell noted the wide variety of media used in the entries, saying, “There’s a huge range of materiality, from ceramics to photography, painting, and more – and each entry showcased unique voices and perspectives. It’s a great way to see work from Southland and across Aotearoa.”
The winners of this year’s awards are:
- Rangatahi Award ($500): Billy Apu – Ice Cream Cat
- Innovation Award ($1000): Paul McLachlan – Mai-mai on the Mataura
- Beattie McDowell Mick Hesselin Memorial Award: Southland Artist ($2000): Daegan Wells – Bush Track
- IPAG / SAS Membership Award ($2000): Victoria Naboka – Saved
- 3rd Prize ($2000): Emily Hartley Skudder – Deluge Zone
- 2nd Prize ($4000): Jess Nicholson – Rock Table
- Supreme Award ($8000): George Agius – Wā: Held in the Belly
The public can view all finalist works at He Waka Tuia until Sunday, 17 November.