The winners of one of South Australia’s richest art prizes, The Hospital Research Foundation Group Creative Health Art Prize, have been announced for 2023 at a stunning exhibition launch at Light Square Gallery tonight.
With all artworks invited to respond to the theme of “healing”, the $40,000 Main Prize was awarded to Deborah Prior for her textile piece representing her experiences of chronic pain.
Judge Lisa Slade, Assistant Director of Public Programs at the Art Gallery of South Australia, said Deborah’s art was a moving, layered and sophisticated work.
“Conceptually, the work delivers so much,” Lisa said. “The forms (within the work) themselves are compelling. They are vessels, they are anatomical… they add layers and layers of resonance.”
Other winners announced on the night include:
- Ray Harris – $1000 Commendation in the Main Prize category
- Jingwei Bu – $5000 Emerging Artist Prize
- Karel Locher – $5000 Veteran and Emergency First Responder Prize
- A $1000 People’s Choice Award will be presented at the end of the exhibition.
In its second year, The Hospital Research Foundation Group Creative Health Art Prize shines a light on the role art plays in healing and health.
More than 200 entries were received from South Australian artists at various stages of their careers, with 27 artworks (from 28 artists) selected as finalists to be displayed at the Finalists’ Exhibition.
The Exhibition is now open to the public until 22 September at Light Square Gallery (TAFE SA, Adelaide College of the Arts). The free event is open from 9am-4pm Tuesday-Friday, and 1-4pm on Saturdays.
All artworks are for sale, with a portion of each sale going to The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s Creative Health programs in South Australian hospitals and healthcare settings.
Paul Flynn, CEO of The Hospital Research Foundation Group, said the healing power of art can sometimes be underestimated but played a critical role in healthcare.
“We proudly deliver Creative Health services such as art, music and diversional therapies and exhibition programs across South Australian hospitals and healthcare settings, which bring joy and comfort, and ease pain and anxiety, for patients, families and staff,” Paul said.
“The Art Prize helps celebrate and raise awareness for this important work and gives South Australian artists a platform to express what healing means to them.
“We could not present these awards without the generous support of our sponsors and donors, particularly our founding sponsors Margo and Sam Hill-Smith of Hill Smith Art Advisory.”
We gratefully acknowledge our sponsors and donors:
- Gold sponsor – Hill Smith Art Advisory
- Silver sponsor – Skip and Lilly Lipman
- Silver sponsor – ECH
- Donor – The Lang Foundation
- Donor – Roger and Helen Salkeld
- Emerging Artist Sponsor – Hon. Dr Diana Laidlaw AM
- Veteran and Emergency First Responder Sponsor – Dr Helen McLean AM
- People’s Choice Sponsor – Stem Bar & Restaurant
Pre-selection panel:
- Gregory Ackland, TAFE SA and Flinders University
- Thomas Readett, artist
- Tricia Ross, artist
Judging panel:
- Lisa Slade, Assistant Director Public Programs at the Art Gallery of South Australia
- Penny Griggs, CEO of Adelaide Central School of Art
- Richard Maurovic, artist
