For the past two years, wandering through QUT Art Museum's last exhibition in its annual calendar has proven the artistic equivalent of peering into a crystal ball. On the George Street gallery's walls, you can see the future — of the art world. Given that The Churchie National Emerging Art Prize is all about rewarding up-and-coming talent, that's hardly surprising. Today's participants are tomorrow's stars, whether or not they emerge victorious.
Indeed, Pierre Mukeba won the prize in 2017 with a piece titled James 2:10; however he's in very good company, 29 of which are part of the exhibition. Until December 17, all 30 of their efforts will be on display from Tuesday to Sunday, as whittled down from more than 900 submissions.
Why 30? Well, as well as being a nice round figure — and ensuring the museum isn't too crowded — it also represents the number of years the prize has been up and running. 3o is also the average age of the award's finalists.
Image: Anna Horne, Red 2017, concrete, paint, steel. Courtesy the artist.