Tasmanian artist wins $50,000 Montalto Sculpture Prize

Terestri Anenemi, a sculpture by Tasmanianbased artist Marcus Tatton that considers the encroachment of inert substances into our physiology, has won the 2022 Montalto Sculpture Prize. One of Australia’s most valuable sculpture prizes, it was increased from $40,000 last year to $50,000 by Montalto owners and sculpture prize founders John and Wendy Mitchell in celebration of its 20th year. Terestri Anenemi now becomes part of the Sculpture Trail, one of the most visited attractions on the Mornington Peninsula.

Montalto Sculpture Trail creative director Neil Williams described the work as “a playful group of forms that highlight a need for awareness of inert micro-plastics in the world”. “These spherical forms sit – or almost float – so elegantly in the landscape, thanks to Marcus’s considered installation,” Mr Williams said. “Living in Tasmania with his young family, Marcus began collecting wood for his wood stove to keep the family warm and fed. He also built hollow huts from stacked wood for his children to play in, and these creations developed into whole architectural forms reinforced for safety and for public display. Marcus began showing these wood stacks publicly as a way to revalue the material and to continue a conversation about renewable resources. Each piece of wood is to be treated with respect and to be used wisely, either for cooking, for warmth, or in creating these beautiful art forms. We are proud to have his engaging work join our permanent collection at Montalto.”

The Family Choice non-acquisitive award – which was raised from $1000 in 2021 to $5000 this year – was won by Renate Crow for Tawny Frogmouth. Cheeky, playful and utterly captivating, tawny frogmouths appear fearless, engaging in a spontaneous staring competition or hiding in plain sight, mimicking a branch. They are at home in rural and urban areas. A success story, they’ve managed to adapt to their changing environment while so many other native creatures struggle for survival. Renate’s work was built in 2022 for a site in the stormravaged Dandenong Ranges. Placed on a fallen tree at the forest’s edge, it was one of the first temporary artworks along Ngurrak Barring, a 40km walk project. Visitors can carefully sit cocooned in the belly of the sculpture, a tiny sanctuary to take a moment to be still.

The awards were held on November 19 at Montalto in Red Hill. The 2022 Montalto Sculpture Prize Exhibition continues until April 30.

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Marcus Tatton’s Terestri Anenemi, above, has been awarded the 2022 Montalto Sculpture Prize.