Local Artist Wins BAM Art Prize
Hundreds of people attended the opening of the inaugural Byron Art Magazine Art Prize last Friday 9 November at Thomgallery in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate.
Local Murwillumbah artist, Helle Jorgensen took home the $5000 prize for her 3D work titled 50 Shapes, crafted from discarded plastic bags and entomological pins. As part of the Prize Jorgensen will be featured on the cover of the upcoming issue of Byron Arts Magazine.
Jorgensen was on of over 350 entries from every state Australia and part of the 95 finalists hung at Thomgallery. Judges Susi Muddiman OAM, Sharne Wolff and Simha Koether agreed that the entries were of an impressive caliber.
‘This was a very exciting response to the inaugural prize’, said Byron Arts Magazine Editor Alana Wilson. ‘It far exceeded our expectations in terms of volume of entries – perhaps not only due to the prize money, but the exposure of being featured in BAM. We are looking forward to seeing next year’s entries!’
Winner of the Emerging Artist: Under 25 award was 21-year-old Oliver Scherer of Sydney. Also highlighted were 23-year-old Angus Wishart of Victoria, and Gold Coast-based duo Agents of Confusion, all of whom were in attendance for the ceremony.
Honourable mentions included Michael Cusack, Michael Lindeman, Robyn Sweaney, Leora Sibony, Sarah Rayner, Kiana Larkins, Vicki Stavrou, Antoinette Barbouttis, Anaheke Metua, Damien O’Mara, Gregory Furney, Holly O’Meehan, Kellie North, Nicholas Coulson, Rob Olver, Sabine Pick, and Sophie Reid.
The exhibition will be on display at Thomgallery, in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate, until November 30.
