The $50,000 acquisition prize has been awarded to Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran.
This year’s exhibition supports the rich, vibrant and diverse use of the ceramic medium, and includes the work by five contemporary artists Adam John Cullen, Penny Byrne, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Ruth Hutchinson and Sanné Mestrom. Works are on display from all five artists until November.
SAM Acting Director Rebecca Coates said: “Each of the five contemporary artists shortlisted has created an outstanding new body of work that not only extends their own artistic practice, but also challenges our understanding of ceramics within a contemporary context. The judging criteria included the following considerations: the conceptual premise of the work and approach to the opportunity; technical ability and engagement with materiality; and spatial considerations - how the work inhabited the space. The work also needed to be innovative, to challenge, excite and intrigue.”
Deputy Director, National Gallery Australia Kirsten Paisley said:
“Ramesh has produced an extraordinary body of major sculptural works that are exceptionally exciting. Drawing on diverse sources from pre-colonial Hindu devotional sculpture to Christianity and sexualized bodies he explores fertility and creation, religion and gender. His work evokes the energy and reverence of `the deity’ while embodying the playfulness of a story-book action hero.”
Shepparton Art Museum is proudly provided by Greater Shepparton City Council, located at 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton. For general enquiries and bookings please contact: (03) 5832 9861, email art.museum@shepparton.vic.gov.au, or visit www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am to 4pm, public holidays 1pm to 4pm. SAM is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SAM_Shepparton.
