‘the churchie’ to display diverse works from emerging artists
The churchie emerging art prize, aka ‘the churchie’ is one of Australia’s leading prizes for emerging artists and will be exhibited at the IMA in October.
Kyra Mancktelow, Moongalba II, 2021, two unique monoprints on 350gsm Hahnemühle paper, 120 x 80 cm each. Courtesy of the artist and N.Smith Gallery, Gadigal Country/Sydney. (Image: IMA)
Every year since 1987 the prize has showcased early-career artists from across the country in Brisbane, with a $25,000 prize pool aimed at supporting up-and-coming artistic talent.
Throughout its history, ‘the churchie’ has adapted to the changing world of contemporary art.
After outgrowing its original home at the Anglican Churchie Grammar School (Churchie), the prize partnered with some of Brisbane’s leading university art museums to present its finalists’ exhibition, before partnering with the Institute of Modern Art for the first time in 2019.
Alexa Malizon, Ningning from Diversitea Talks (still), 2020, digital video, colour and sound, 00:01:51 (Image: IMA)
The finalists’ exhibition at the IMA will provide a survey of the compelling and diverse work being produced by emerging artists today.
Artworks spanning painting, sculpture, video, and installation will be shown at the IMA 9 October–18 December 2021 with the official opening and prize announcement taking place at the gallery Friday 8 October.
The 2021 finalists include; Akil Ahamat (NSW), Tiyan Baker (NSW), Christopher Bassi (QLD), Leon Russell (Cameron) Black (NT), Ohni Blu (NSW), Riana Head-Toussaint (NSW), Visaya Hoffie (QLD), Kait James (VIC), Alexa Malizon (ACT), Kyra Mancktelow (QLD), Ivy Minniecon (QLD), Nina Sanadze (VIC), Jayanto Tan (NSW), and Joanne Wheeler (NT).
The Major Prize winner will receive a $15,000 non-acquisitive cash prize provided by long-standing sponsor BSPN Architecture, to be selected by a guest judge, Rhana Devenport ONZM, Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Jayanto Tan, Potluck Party Pai Ti Kong (A Praying The Heaven God), 2021, ceramics, dimensions variable. (Image: IMA)
For the third year an early-career guest curator has been engaged to curate the finalists’ exhibition in a role sponsored by Armitstead ART Consulting.
This year artist, writer, and curator Grace Herbert will work closely with the artists to realise the exhibition, working through the various challenges presented by lockdowns and border closures.
For more information about the churchie prize, visit IMA’s website here.
