The prestigious $100,000 Basil Sellers Art Prize has been awarded to Indigenous artist Tony Albert for the work titled Once upon a time … 2013-14.
The work consists of a painted target over which are hung 23 small framed works comprising watercolours on paper, photographs and collage, and small vignettes made of found objects – toys, blocks and figurines. The work is introduced by a typed letter by Albert to fellow Indigenous artist Gordon Bennett that pays tribute to Bennett’s important contribution and influence on Albert’s work, and acknowledges the elder artist’s sustained championing of Indigenous rights.
Director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne, Ms Kelly Gellatly, commended all finalists for the depth of their engagement with the theme of sport and the quality of their art.
“The judges were impressed by the breadth of artists’ themes, which encompass the emotions and spectacle of sport, as well as challenging historical and moral issues. The ambitious new works by the finalists present a rich engagement with the idea and experience of sport,” said Ms Gellatly.
“The overall impact of the work as an exhibition is particularly impressive, reflective of the different ways in which the Australian spirit can be articulated; whether in the desire for equality, the behaviour of the fan, or the role of sport in everyday life.”
The Judges commended Once upon a time for its bravery and poetry, and for the fact that it tackles such a difficult and emotive issue in sport and Australian culture without being didactic or heavy-handed:
“The work is neither a lesson nor a sermon, and provides no answers, but instead creates a contemplative space that encourages the audience to think about these issues in a way that engenders a sense of hope, and of the possibility of change.”
“It also highlights the way in which sport can be a positive forum in which to both air and tackle difficult subjects. Issues such as racism will no doubt continue to arise and to confront, but the very public nature of sport ensures that it provides a platform on which to air, discuss and debate these issues rather than pretend that they don’t exist.”
The Basil Sellers Art Prize provides a range of awards for artists. In addition to the $100,000 prize, the finalists are in the running for the 2014 National Sports Museum Basil Sellers Creative Arts Fellowship (valued at $50,000) to be announced during the Exhibition, and the $5,000 Yarra Trams People’s Choice Award, voted on by visitors to the Exhibition at the conclusion of the exhibition.
An exhibition of the 16 shortlisted finalists will be on display until 26 October 2014 at the Ian Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne. For more information, visit: www.sellersartprize.com.au for details.
Image: Tony Albert, Once upon a time … 2013-14