The Mosman Art Prize. It’s the longest running and most prestigious municipal art prize in Australia.

Attracting hundreds of entries each year from aspiring and established painters, it’s sponsored by Mosman Council, and worth a cool $70,000 in prize money. Something that this year’s winner Gemma Smith (pictured), the artist behind Pollen Prism. synthetic polymer paint on linen, is acutely aware of.

 

However, the value of the Mosman Art Prize extends beyond financial award. Director of Mosman Art Gallery, John Cheeseman describes it as an award that provides ‘a platform for the most exciting and critical painting practices in Australia’.

Something that’s hard to argue with, when its inaugural winner in 1947 was Margaret Olly, and has since recognised some of Australia’s most acclaimed painters, including Cressida Campbell, Grace Cossington Smith, Guy Warren and Noel McKenna.

2024’s interest in the prize peaked, with an impressive 1,617 entries from across the country. Finalists were whittled down to a mere 88, as decided by this year’s judge Julie Ewington. That included a work from Ken Done – arguably Australia’s most iconic contemporary artist – and Lucy Culliton – one of the country’s leading female contemporary landscape and still life artists.

BresicWhitney joined John and the team at Mosman Art Galley for an insider’s look into the judging process, and what it takes to choose, curate, and present this fine exhibition.

 

On the judging process and who’s tasked with the decision.

“Once the judge is briefed on the history and rules of the competition, they are responsible for all selections of finalists and prize winners. Typically, this involves an initial process of sorting works into yes’s, no’s and maybes, with the process repeated and continuing until the final list of artists is confirmed. The curatorial staff then plan the layout of all works and this year it took a team of six installers two weeks to prepare the Gallery and hang the exhibition.

“Getting a good judge is of critical importance. We always choose someone prominent in the art world – such as an artist, curator, academic, critic, collector, dealer or similar. In recent years we have never used the same judge twice, and also ensured that the background of the judge changes every year to ensure a variety of perspectives when looking at entries.”

 

On the curation process and the ‘weight of expectation’.

“It’s quite challenging because there is no theme – it is an art prize and you want to find room for each piece to breathe, find connections between works and provide a stimulating experience for visitors.  It’s super exciting because you see the works in the flesh for the first time (the initial selection is done via digital images) and the works tend to be even more vibrant and vital than you hoped for. The weight of expectation is also on you – you know the value each artist puts on their work and their desire of being displayed in the best possible manner.”

 

The meaning of the prize for the local community.

“2024 is the year that the Mosman Art Prize truly became what it has always promised to be – Australia’s premier open painting prize. With over 1600 entries from across Australia and 88 finalists selected representing every state and territory, the exhibition provides a national survey of contemporary painting practices.  Artists should be thrilled by their achievement in being selected and audiences will be treated to seeing some of the most exciting artworks being made in Australia today.”

“More locally, art is an important part of life for Lower North Shore communities. Residents here are well read and educated regarding art and cultural trends and they expect to experience the highest standards possible, which we aim to meet and exceed!“

Advice for future entrants and hopefuls.

“Be bold – judges are looking for excellence and works that stand out from the crowd. Also, remember to carefully read and comply with the terms and conditions, especially regarding mediums and sizing. Too many great works are not considered because of submissions made that are larger than permitted.”

Any favourite pieces?

“If you ask this week, my favourite is this year’s winner Gemma Smith. But at the time I fall in love with each and every work that wins, and all speak to me at different times and reveal new and exciting aspects of the artists and their practices.“

 

What’s your hope for the future of the Prize?

“I hope the Mosman Art Prize continues to renew itself to continue to build its reputation and provide a platform for the most exciting and critical painting practices in Australia.”

 

BresicWhitney was a sponsor of the 2024 Mosman Art Prize, and presenting partner of the Alan Gamble Award (for the built environment). It was awarded to Nick Santoro for his work 5G Panel, synthetic polymer paint on board and aluminium. The Mosman Art Prize runs until Sunday 6 October, 2024.