The Adelaide Park Lands Prize is
a biennial art event run by the Adelaide Park Lands Preservation Association
(APPA) in conjunction with the Adelaide City Council. It showcases art that makes a statement or captures
the essence of the beautiful parklands, which surround Adelaide's CBD and North
Adelaide. It is an exhibition that continues to grow in reputation and now
attracts the interest of artists from throughout Australia who are inspired by
the diverse and unique nature of the parkland environment around our city. The
opportunity to exhibit as a finalist at the Adelaide Festival Theatre also provides
a level of public exposure that is much appreciated.
This was the second time I have
entered the competition, with this years painting entitled ‘Spheres and
Reflections’. This piece was based on an idea I had pondered on for quite a
while in which I re-imagined one of Adelaide’s much loved sculptural works set within
a quiet part of the South parklands. Here is my artist statement for the final
painting …
‘In 1977 Bert Flugelman’s sculpture ‘Spheres’ was unveiled in
Rundle Mall and has, over the years, become a much loved icon of Adelaide.
While the piece sits beautifully in its current location, I have always thought
that the sheer perfection of the work would allow it to work equally as well in
all manner of environments. In my painting ‘Spheres and Reflections’, I sought
to re-imagine this much loved piece placed within the tranquil setting of the
Adelaide parklands. The harmony of its form sitting comfortably in nature,
reflecting a distinctly alternative vision of the changing world around it.’
I was very pleased with the
completed piece and delighted to be named as a finalist. However, I was absolutely
overjoyed to have been named as the 2018 winner!! It was a very humbling moment
considering the quality of the works exhibited this year. The judges comments were particularly
encouraging and the positive reaction to the painting has been quite
overwhelming. Below are links to some of the media coverage…
