The Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award is a biennial celebration of artistic excellence in the field of art on paper, now in its 13th year. The award recognizes outstanding artworks created with, on, or about paper, making it more than just a drawing prize.
- Established in 2009, the award has a broad remit, encompassing various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, mixed media, performance, and video.
- The award encourages innovation and creativity in artists who specialize in working with paper.
The Award has a diverse range of entries, with a prize pool of $26,000 and an average of 80 finalists chosen each year. This year’s judge, Daniel Mudie Cunningham, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously curated exhibitions at Hazelhurst Arts Centre and now serving as Director of Wollongong Art Gallery. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Victoria Wynne-Jones, who emphasizes the importance of celebrating paper as a medium in its own right. “Paper is not just a medium – it can also be the subject matter,” she says. “In the past, we’ve had large-scale installations, photographs printed on paper, and video installations incorporating paper, all engaging with the materiality of paper without making work on paper.”
The Award has seen a significant increase in the scale and complexity of artworks over the years. “Every time works are chosen by the judge to be the winners, they sort of push the envelope,” Wynne-Jones notes. “I think this is a testament to the creative and innovative spirit of the artists involved.”
Despite its focus on paper, the Award is not limited to traditional drawing or painting. “The Award has a broad remit of material definitions, and can include painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, mixed media, performance, and video,” Wynne-Jones explains. “This diversity makes the exhibition extremely accessible to visitors.”
Dr. Wynne-Jones emphasizes the accessibility and intimacy of working with paper. “Drawing on paper is the first art we make as children,” she notes. “It’s an elemental medium that can also be quite intimate. And, in this day and age, it’s a natural, biodegradable, and affordable material that’s not hard on the environment.”
The Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award is a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work and push the boundaries of creativity. With a prize pool of $26,000 and an average of 80 finalists, it’s a competition that’s not to be missed. So, take the risk and enter – as Dr. Wynne-Jones advises, “Just take risks and be brave.”
| Exhibition Details | Prize Pool | Average Finalists |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition Dates | $26,000 | 80 finalists |
The exhibition will be open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to explore the diverse range of artworks on display. With its emphasis on creativity, innovation, and accessibility, the Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award is a celebration of the medium of paper in all its forms.
“I think often, still in this day and age, art is very hierarchical, and painting reigns supreme. It’s just nice to have an award that celebrates paper, and I think differentiating it from drawing is a key aspect. While drawing is a preparatory process for many artists, the Award demonstrates that working on paper is an end in itself.”
Dr. Victoria Wynne-Jones
Highlights of the Exhibition
- A diverse range of artworks showcasing the creative and innovative use of paper
- Exhibition features large-scale installations, photographs, and video installations incorporating paper
- An opportunity for artists to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation
What does it mean to work on paper?
Working on paper involves creating art using paper as a medium, whether it be drawing, painting, or combining different materials and techniques.
It’s not just about the final product, but also about the process of creating something with paper. The tactile nature of working with paper can be very intimate and expressive, allowing artists to convey their ideas and emotions in a unique and personal way.
As Dr. Wynne-Jones notes, “Drawing on paper is the first art we make as children. And, in this day and age, it’s a natural, biodegradable, and affordable material that’s not hard on the environment.”
The Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award celebrates the creative and innovative use of paper, and provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their work and push the boundaries of creativity.
