THE VERY BEST of Christian artwork was on show again in Perth last week during the exhibition of submissions for the Mandorla Art Award.
Paul Kaptein’s untitled sculptural artwork was judged the winner of this year’s award, with the judges describing the piece as “technically very refined”.
The laminated timber sculpture was hand-carved out of Paulownia wood, and secured the $25,000 prize ahead of more than 160 other entries. Other winners included Julian Poon, Stephen Fearnley and Aaron Moore.
The biennial award, which was first presented in 1985, is centred on the continuing development and patronage of Christian art, according to its chairperson Angela McCarthy.
“In the 20th century, Christian art sadly diminished and with the rise of secularism we need to nurture it in a serious and defined way,” she told The Record.
Artists making submissions for the Mandorla Art Award were asked to interpret a scriptural theme in a contemporary way. This year’s theme was ‘Elijah meets God’, taken from the first book of Kings.
“Elijah is running away from a dangerous situation after he had come into conflict with the worshippers of Baal. He does not find God in the earthquake, storm or fire, but in the “sheer silence”,” Mrs McCarthy explained.
This year’s exhibition included artworks from two previous winners of the youth award section, an encouraging sign for the future.
“This means that these young people are continuing to work in the area of Christian art which is very important for our future,” Mrs McCarthy said.
She added that this year’s finalists have created many “rich and challenging” artworks.
“Once again, the number and quality of entries submitted has grown this year, with 16 international artists contributing artworks,” Mrs McCarthy said.
“Our efforts to encourage the production of Christian art is extending beyond Australia and we see this as being important to our mission.”
Works are selected for exhibition based on their visual and aesthetic impact, creativity, and technical skills. Winners received $42,000 between them, with $25,000 going to the first prize, $5,000 going to two highly commended winners, $5,000 to the People’s Choice Award winner, and $5,000 for the youth award.
The prizes were sponsored by St John of God Health Care, the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, the Uniting Church in Perth, and the Benedictine Community of New Norcia.