For the 31st year, the dynamic and diverse Hatched National Graduate Show is celebrating emerging artists across Australia at its annual exhibition.
Held at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), the exhibition showcases the work of 25 recent graduates of Australian art schools, with three receiving the prestigious Schenberg Art Awards.
Established 13 years ago through the bequest of the late Dr Harold Schenberg, the Schenberg Art Awards are presented in partnership with The University of Western Australia and PICA. Representing the largest prize to be awarded for emerging artists in Australia, this year the Schenberg Art Fellowship ($35,000) was joined by the Schenberg Art High Commendation ($10,000) and the Schenberg Art Commendation ($5,000).
Dr Schenberg was a renowned Western Australian dermatologist with a love of art, philanthropy and collecting. Described as having an “absolute zest” for living, his many friends described him as a colourful man who viewed every day as a cause for celebration.
Curating an extensive art collection, Dr Schenberg was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2000 by UWA in recognition of his significant contributions to the Arts. Living on through his generous bequest, Dr Schenberg’s love of art and culture is continued by the talented Hatched awardees and entrants.
"Hatched is PICA's flagship annual exhibition that profiles and celebrates Australia's most promising art school graduates," Amy Barrett-Lennard, Director of PICA, said. "It is the only exhibition of its kind in the country, and thanks to PICA's partnership with UWA, it also offers the largest prize for emerging artists in Australia. We invite the UWA community to join us in support of this year's talented artists.”
Image: Art installation by Erin Hallyburton, Greasy Paper Torn Open With Eager Hands, Salt Licked Fingers Sucked, 2021. Photo Andrew Curtis
This year’s panel reviewed 61 nominations, to select 25 artists from across Australia to feature in the only national graduate exhibition in the country. The winner of the prestigious Schenberg Art Fellowship of $35,0000, was Erin Hallyburton, who's art used waste oils and fat to create various installations which explore our perceptions of fatness, and the relationship with identity, class and the immigrant experience.
The additional awards of High Commendation and Commendation were awarded to; Ilona McGuire from Curtin University, who received the Commendation of $5000, and Remy Faint from The University of New South Wales, with the High Commendation of $10,000.
Image: Between Traces, Beyond Screens, by Remy Faint, alternate view. Photo by artist.
Image: Art installation by Ilona McGuire, Lok Poortjetpudjen (Our Place) and Kungarakan Gini, 2021, armchair, record player and oil on canvas. Photo by Bo Wong
Entry to PICA and the exhibition is free. Hatched National Graduate Show is on until Sunday, July 17.