Redlands Konica Minolta Art Prize 2013

Overview

Established in 1996, the Redlands Konica Minolta Art Prize supports early to mid-career artists from both Australia and New Zealand. This year, guest curator Julie Rrap has selected 21 established artists to exhibit recent work. Each of these artists then chose an emerging artist to also present work in the show. There are three prizes: a $25,000 prize for the winning established artist, a $10,000 prize for the winning emerging artist, and a Viewers’ Choice Prize, which visitors to the exhibition may vote in.

It’s a great selection, and the mix of works by emerging and established artists creates a fantastic dialogue. Because so many hands went into the selection of the pieces, there is something for all tastes. There are works in every conceivable medium: video, sculpture, painting, photography, installation — you name it, it’s on show. With so many artists participating, there is always going to be variation in the quality of works exhibited, but the standard is exceptionally high and pretty much all the works seem to sit somewhere between 'pretty great' and 'really freaking awesome'.

It’s difficult to name just a few of the standout pieces because there were so many highlights, but Todd Robinson's He knows at any moment it may be lost in a vertical field is definitely one of the best entries. I couldn't tear myself away. The work features two balloons that sag, trying to fall to earth. The contradiction between such traditionally light, buoyant objects and these morose, depressed sacks was fantastic.

Bridie Lunney's delicate installation Still After is also a must-see. Described in the catalog as being a 'performative response to architectural conditions' the work is comprised of a series of objects attached to, pushed against and placed in front of a wall. There is something terrifically Dada-esque about the relationship between all the objects in this piece. It's absolutely wonderful. I risked a hefty parking fine so I could go back for another look at the end of my visit.

It’s a big exhibition, so leave yourself a ample time to see it all. And do yourself a favour — load up the parking machine before you go.

Redlands Prize is open 10-4, Monday to Saturday. Image: TV Moore, MOON PLANK STILL LIFE.