STRAND EPHEMERA 2015 WINNER

The judge for Strand Ephemera 2015, John Walsh, Gallery Manager at the Gold Coast City Gallery, was hard-pressed to choose only one winner for the major $10,000 Award for Artistic Excellence out of the 28 amazing artworks vying for the prize. The award went to local Townsville artist Alison McDonald's sparkling site-specific work, displayed on the main beach.

Walsh, complimented the quality of works on display, saying “the consistent quality of works in Strand Ephemera made the judging process a challenging but very rewarding experience. I was delighted to encounter such a diverse range of approaches to sculpture from fun frivolous forms to serious political statements – all equally engaging.”

McDonald's shimmering, tinkling work, entitled Shimmer, captured the spirit of the lifesavers, and the beautiful light quality upon the waters of Cleveland Bay. The kinetic work is made from thousands of silver disks, which gently move in the breeze. The underside reflects the colours of the lifesavers, an organisation underpinning the safety of Australian beaches.

Providing some insight into his selection, Walsh said, “Alison McDonald’s work Shimmer is a simple concept that is realised with poetic elegance. It is an intervention on the site that adds a level of engagement and interaction that is constantly changing according to its surroundings. Wind, light and the colours of the landscape all play a part to produce a sculpture that resonates. Its subtle song is one that suits its ultimate beauty.”

The wilson/ryan/grose Lawyers People's Choice Award proved very popular, with the winner a fantastic school's program facilitated by artist Ben Trupperbäumer, and including students from St Anthony's Catholic College, Northern Beaches State High School, and St Patrick's College. The artwork, entitled Grand Annual Winter Tour to Anywhere, showcased an eclectic collection of colourful caravans. It celebrated the colour, form and colloborative process for sculptural projects, and tours of the imagination.

Image: Ben Trupperbäumer with students from St Anthony's Catholic College, Northern Beaches State High School, and St Patrick's College. Grand Annual Winter Tour to Anywhere 2015