Congratulations to Laura Matthews who won in the Manning Art Prize 2019, Naked & Nude, with her painting 'Sea Creatures' at the Manning Regional Art Gallery, NSW.
The ‘Naked & Nude Art Prize’ is the only art award of its kind in Australia and attracts entries from across Australia from artists at all stages of their careers and working in all mediums.
The theme ‘Naked & Nude’ is an evocative platform for creative inspiration, and artists delve into representations of the human form. With a history dating back to ancient times across many cultures, the exposed human figure is one the most enduring themes in the visual arts, and remains relevant to artists across all disciplines.
Announcing 'Sea Creatures' as the winner, the judge commented "this beautifully composed painting may be a landscape (or seascape) but it is one that pivots around the formation of the two female figures. Their connection to each other and to their beach setting is the true subject of the work.
"Despite the agitated surface texture of this painting; one that encapsulates the perpetual motion of the ocean setting, the work exudes a great sense of calm and intimacy. The figures here do indeed appear as ‘sea creatures’ as they are drawn into their environment, and lead us, as viewers, in with them."
The painting is ultimately successful due to the strong sense of the physicality of the figures and the human connection between them and their environment.
- Courtesy of the Midwest Council NSW