The Australian War Memorial has launched an online exhibition of Napier Waller Art Prize 2020 finalists. Thirty-one artworks are displayed in the exhibition, which is now live.
Seventeen works were highly commended by judges and will be displayed at the Memorial from 25 September to 22 November 2020. Online voting is open for the People’s Choice Award, which includes a cash prize of $5,000.
The artworks on display reflect the resilience, imagination, skill and humour for which members of the Australian Defence Force are well regarded. The works also comment on the challenges and consequences of military service.
The prestigious art prize, sponsored by the Road Home, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Thales Australia, and supported by the University of Canberra is open to current and former Australian Defence Force personnel. The Napier Waller Art Prize received 140 entries in its third year, a 30 per cent increase on 2019 entries. The prize encourages artistic excellence, promotes the transformative power of creativity, and raises awareness of the experiences and talent of service personnel.
The judges are: Mr Matt Anderson, Director of the Australian War Memorial; eX de Medici, former official war artist; Mr Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery of Australia; Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra; General Angus Campbell AO DSC, Chief of the Australian Defence Force; Mr Gary Dawson, Vice President Strategy, Thales Australia; Ms Laura Webster, Head of Art, Australian War Memorial; and Mr Paul Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Hospital Research Foundation.
The winner of this year’s prize will be announced on the evening of 24 September. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will continue via the Memorial’s website until the exhibition closes.
In addition to a $10,000 cash prize, the winning artist will have their work become part of the Memorial’s National Collection, and will receive a two-week research residency in the Art section of the Memorial, and a mentoring day with eX de Medici, former official war artist to the Solomon Islands.
