NGA Sculpture prize winners

Launched in 2000, the National Sculpture Prize set out to raise the profile of sculpture in Australia. Looking back it is gratifying to see that it has indeed achieved its aim and sculpture, in all its contemporary manifestations, is currently enjoying unprecedented visibility and recognition.

The three Prizes – held in 2001, 2003 and 2005 – have included an extra-ordinary range of works by a total of eighty-three artists from around Australia. The Prize has introduced emerging artists to a national audience and has exhibited their works alongside those of Australia’s leading sculptors. It has provided a vital forum in which artists have presented major new works – in some instances ambitious undertakings that would not have been realised without the stimulation of the Prize. With each exhibition there has been an associated program of public talks by artists and curators, extending the understanding and enjoyment of this art form amongst the wider community. The Gallery has forged lasting relationships with artists around the country and works from each Prize have been acquired for the national collection.

The National Gallery of Australia is proud to present the third National Sculpture Prize and exhibition. This event signals the Gallery’s commitment to exhibiting contemporary Australian art and this year’s exhibition will be the largest to date, featuring works by thirty-nine artists, and extending throughout the Gallery’s temporary exhibitions wing.
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and the winner is...

The National Sculpture prize has been awarded to Sydney-based artist Glen Clarke.
He has received a $50,000 prize for his work titled American Crater Near Hanoi #2.

His work was selected from a record 636 entries, which were reduced to 39 finalists at Canberra's National Gallery of Australia.The judges said that although it was difficult to pick a winner, the decision was unanimous. The judges also described Clarke's work as exceptional.
Gallery director Ron Radford, who was also a judge, said the artists used a vast array of materials, techniques and approaches to their work.

"No artistic stone has been left unturned by this year's finalists, who have used everything from vacuum cleaner parts to termite-hollowed tree trunks to convey their message," he said.

The sculptures of the 39 finalists will go on display from tomorrow until October.
Other finalists included Bert Flugelman, Geoffrey Bartlett, Ian Howard and Bonita Ely.
from the ABC