Exhibition dates: 26th June til 13th July 2018
Now in its 128th year the RQAS Members Annual is our longest running exhibition, this year’s show comprises of one hundred and twenty-seven artworks exhibited by 63 RQAS Brisbane Branch artists. The exhibition was curated with style and flair by former gallery director of Petrie Terrace Gallery Peter Hubbard and award-winning artist Meredith Howse.
The exhibition was officially opened on the evening of Wednesday 27th by Professor John Kane with a rousing speech, and some words by RQAS President Marg Thomas. The pair also treated the crowd to some live music stylings with Marg on the piano and John on vocals. The opening event was a major success with over 100 people in attendance.
The difficult task of judging the outstanding collective exhibition was undertaken by award-winning artists Denis Brockie and Richard Blundell who commented on the diversity and quality of the work displayed.
Best Artwork Prize was awarded to Vivienne Searle for “Yellow-scape” the judges commented “The work is bold, assured and unfussy. The artist has united the piece with harmonious earth colours that evoke connotations of landscape and yet there is a looseness, a spontaneity. The work is strong yet unpretentious.”
The Youth Prize which was open to all exhibiting artists 30 and under was awarded to Daniel Sherington for “Transition 4” which the judges said showcased “strong draughtsmanship” and went on to comment “this delightfully off-beat work evokes a graceful energy”
First Prize in Section 1 (Works on Canvas or Board) was awarded to David Ladley for “The Beach Goers” The judges commented, “The work has a strong painterly treatment that comfortably carries the narrative”.
Second Prize in Section 1 (Works on Canvas or Board) went to Casey Charles for his charmingly sardonic piece “Not Impressed”. The Judges commented, “The piece is executed with assurance; the artist has nailed the expression”.
First Prize in Section 2 (Works on Paper) was awarded to Kathy Sullivan for her piece “Unfurling” which the judges called “technically magnificent”.
Second Prize in Section 2 (Works on Paper) was taken out by Tony Walker for his expressive work “Newstead Wharf” of which the judges said, “an interesting scene masterfully handled”.
First Prize in Section 3 (Photography and Digital Art) was awarded to Vanessa Bertagnole for her thought-provoking work “Brisbane Car Wash” the judges commented it was “a most interesting image which requires a good look to comprehend”
Second Prize in Section 3 (Photography and Digital) was taken out by Carel Thysse for “Medicine Dance Trevi, Italy”. The judges noted “The work draws on complex imagery to evoke an old-world tradition”
First Prize in Section 4 (Sculpture) was awarded to Susan Margaret for “Sweetly Sings the Bird”.
Second Prize in Section 4 (Sculpture) went to Bill Gale for “Introspection”.
Such was the quality of the work exhibited that the judges felt the following highly commended awards should be given out.
Highly Commended in Section 1 (Works on Canvas and Board) was awarded to Christine Groh for “Just for a Walk” the judges called it “Exotic and delightful.”
Highly Commended in Section 2 (Works on Paper) was taken out by Wilna Ten Cate for “Olga” the Judges comments were “A difficult medium handled well.”
And finally, a Highly Commended was awarded to Joanne Heath for “Dance of The Red Balloon 2” of which the judges commented “The work is other-worldly and mysterious”
The 128th RQAS Members Annual continues the tradition of celebrating our organisation and our artists with exemplary work.
Exhibition continues until Friday 13th July, drop by the gallery Tuesday through Sunday to see this fantastic show or book an out of hours private viewing through our gallery directors Rochelle Lindquist and Vashti-Sita Bardsley.
