13 April 2014

SAM has announced the shortlisted artists who will present works in its 2014 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA) next month.

This year’s award will include work by 22 artists shortlisted from across Australia, including Adelaide; Melbourne; Ernabella, NT; Cairns, Qld; Torres Strait Islands; Bankstown, Sydney and regional Victoria.

The 2014 ICAA shortlisted artists include:

Anne Thomson
Bankstown Koorie Elders group
Bevan Skinner
Christina Gollan
Cynthia Vogler
Deanne Gilson
Edna Ambrym
Ellarose Savage
Irene Entata
Janet Fieldhouse
Jimmy Kenny Thaiday
Kerry Reed-Gilbert
Lawrence Omenyo
Milyika Carroll
Pepai Carroll
Ricardo Idagi
Robert Kelty
Robyne Latham
Rona Rubuntja
Shauna Colin
Shenane Jago
Tanya Fowler

With a combined prize pool of $33 000, the Indigenous Ceramic Art Award is the premier national award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists working in ceramics.

First prize $20 000 Acquisitive
Second prize $10 000 Acquisitive
Encouragement Award (for a Victorian artist) $3,000 Acquisitive

The award winners will be announced at the official opening of the exhibition on Saturday 24 May at 4pm, following a curatorial floor talk with Nicholas Boseley at 2.30pm. For further information on the Indigenous Ceramic Art Award Cultural Weekend (Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 May) please visit www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/programs-and-events. 

2014 ICAA guest curator and filmmaker Nicholas Boseley commented:

‘On my travels to Aboriginal ceramic studios and individual artists across Australia, I was very excited to see so many new works made with such creativity, imagination and thought.’

‘It was enriching to see how culture, personal experiences and isolation have informed the works. One sees the beautiful lands or countries the artists belong to, in all their varied and unique forms. From mountain-scapes to seedpods and sea creatures, all are evidence of a continuity of deep connection with all of nature.’

‘There are lands and seas we are compelled to imagine, by figures looking purposefully outwards. They speak of ancient rights, of events in recent Aboriginal history and the complexities of emotions arising from such.’

‘The diversity of Aboriginal culture, lands and stories will shine brightly in this superb ceramic exhibition and awards program.’

SAM Director Kirsten Paisley commented:

‘The 2014 award highlights the development of artists through the award series, and also how many new artists have discovered ceramics and are beginning to make work for the first time in clay. It has been particularly encouraging to see a local ceramic studio established in Shepparton this year and previous ICAA artists teaching ceramics, as yet a further extension of the ICAA program and its impact on individuals.‘

SAM will also present a film produced by Nicholas Boseley in the exhibition based on his journey to meet with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceramic artists across Australia over the past six months. From renowned pottery studios in Hermannsburg and Ernabella, NT to a new ceramics studio for Aboriginal artists in Shepparton, Victoria; and artists working in Adelaide and the Tiwi Islands, Nicholas meets artists as they prepare to produce work to enter in the 2014 ICAA. The film will also screen at Federation Square on Wednesday 14 May as part of the Give It Up For Margaret festival, celebrating one of the ICAA’s major funders, the Margaret Lawrence Bequest.

The 2014 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award exhibition will run from 16 May to 10 August at Shepparton Art Museum, Victoria. For further information please visit www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.  

ICAA MAJOR PARTNERS
Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation
Margaret Lawrence Bequest, Perpetual Trustees
Mr Allan Myers AO QC

ICAA PARTNER
S.J. Rothfield Family Fund / Australian Communities Foundation / Fairer Futures Fund

For further information, high-resolution images, or to arrange for interviews, please contact SAM marketing co-ordinator Amina Barolli on (03) 5832 9522 or amina.barolli@shepparton.vic.gov.au. A VIP Media Preview will be held on Thursday 15 May at 10.30am.