By Amanda Murthy
Thirty-five artists who were set to showcase their art at the Mandorla Art Award exhibition (originally scheduled from 16 May to 6 June) at the Perth gallery STALA Contemporary, will now have to wait until March next year to do so due to the current COVID-19 crisis.
The Mandorla Art Award for contemporary religious art is Australia’s most significant thematic religious art prize, attracting some of the country’s finest artists since its inception in 1985. The Christian initiative aims to attract contemporary artworks that are diverse, challenging and provide an insightful interpretation of the chosen biblical theme.
The winning artwork becomes part of the Mandorla collection which is housed at the New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery, home of Australia’s best contemporary Christian art collection.
The selection panel consisting of WA Aboriginal Art Centre Hub Chief Executive Officer Chad Creighton, Art Curator Sandra Murray, and Director of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of PerthReligious Sister Kerry Willison RSM collectively deliberated to form a selection of 35 works from the 144 entries received nationwide.
The artwork entries responded to the biblical theme: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8), announced back in January 2019.
Despite pandemic affecting the world, the Mandorla committee declared that they were working hard to find alternative and creative means to bring these “inspired and inspiring” artworks to share with the Australian public – sharing their sentiments about their difficult, yet necessary, decision to postpone the event.
“We have a solid commitment to our artists and patrons and in the meantime we intend to promote the artists and their work via our social media platforms, to give the community a sneak-peak on their artwork and to get to know the talented artists better,” the committee explained.
“In what appears to be a bleak pandemic sweeping the globe, we encourage you all to continue to engage with and support the arts: it is an aspect of our culture which can allow us to freely express our emotions, conduct and inspire hope and nurture our soul to grow in faith, wisdom and maturity.
“Our chosen theme for this year, then, aptly captures our message to the wider public at this time; please act justly and care for one another, be merciful and kind to all you come across and walk humbly by trusting in the Lord at this time.”
Mandorla Chairperson Dr Angela McCarthy spoke to The Record on the importance of expressing art through religion through a huge platform such as Mandorla.
“For almost the entire history of Christianity, the arts have been a vital aspect that has helped in the devotion of the faithful,” Dr McCarthy said.
“Mandorla brings artists together to express biblical themes and therefore become a valuable resource to the Christian tradition and enliven the views of the community, as artists see differently.
“This stimulates believers to think about the responses to the theme each year, in a deep and rich way.” she added.
Past winners include Mikaela Castledine (2018), Megan Robert (2016), Paul Kaptein (2014), John Paul (2012 & 1990), Annette Allman (2010), Concetta Petrillo (2007) Michael Kane Taylor (2004), Julie Dowling (2000), Brian McKay (2002 and 1986), John Coburn (1996), Nigel Hewitt (1991 and 1992), Ivan Bray (1989), Allan Baker (1988), Michael Iwanoff (1987), and Theo Koning (1985).
Mandorla Curator Kristy Gough said the Mandorla Art Award finalists represented a broad range of artistic talent from around Australia in various creative forms of art including video, painting, photography, glass, fibre and sculpture works.
“There are some previous finalists, but also a significant portion of new entrants which is great to see that artists are still seeing the importance and significance of this award,” Ms Gough said.
To support the Mandorla Art Award finalists, go to Instagram #mandorlaartaward and Facebook @mandorlaartaward. Art to be promoted there in the coming months.
The Mandorla Art Award Finalists are:
- Riste Andrievski
- Glenn Loughrey
- Godfrey Blow
- Camilla Loveridge
- Christophe Canato
- Laszlo Lukacs
- Olga Cironis
- Elisa Markes-Young
- Rebecca Corps
- Lucille Martin
- Emilio Cresciani
- Britt Mikkelsen
- Joanne Duffy
- Perrin Millard
- Fiona Evans
- Michael Vincent Murphy
- Silvana Ferrario
- Sonia Payes
- Desire Ferreira
- Denise Pepper
- Anna Glynn
- Julian Poon
- Athena Harris Ingall
- Sion Prior
- Tevita Havea
- Deborah Ralph-Kafarela
- Beric Henderson
- Kathleen Nanima Rambler
- Franci Hepbur
- Darryl Rogers
- Leni Kae
- Harrison See
- Vania Lawson
- Alexandra Spargo
- John Teschendorff