On Saturday July 20, the City of Karratha awarded more than $85,000 in prize money to nine category winners at the 32nd Cossack Art Awards, with a $3,000 people’s choice award to be announced at the close of the exhibition.
Dry River Bed Burnt Country, by local artist Allery Sandy won this year’s Best Overall Artwork.
The 2024 Cossack Art Awards judging panel of Sarah Elson, De Gillett Cox, and Steve Makse described the piece as sophisticated and deeply evocative work.
“The exquisite materiality of this piece elicits a rich association to land, movement and the inevitability of change,” said the panel.
“The tacit use of materials results in a landscape of pattern and possibility,” they said.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott highlighted that the Cossack Art Awards continue to celebrate immense talent both locally and nationally.
“The Pilbara is well-known as an artistic hub, and this year's entries really showcase the rich culture and creativity of our region.
"I extend my congratulations to Allery Sandy, the 2024 Best Overall Artwork winner, as well as to all the category winners for their accomplishments. I also commend all entrants for their contributions to yet another great exhibition.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to our esteemed judging panel for their dedication and expertise in selecting the winning and highly commended works.
"I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and participate in the public program of events and activities available in the coming weeks.”
Presented by the City of Karratha with principal partner Rio Tinto, the exhibition is open to the public 10am-3pm daily from July 21 to August 11 2024. Admission is free.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Officer Simon Trott congratulated all the winners for their incredible works.
"We are proud to support the Cossack Art Awards to provide a platform for local creatives and artists to showcase their talent,” said Mr Trott.
"These artists invest an incredible amount of time and energy into their artworks to provide unique insights into the Pilbara's amazing landscapes, people and rich history. I look forward to seeing the compelling works that this year’s Artist in Residence, Katie Barron, will create using oils,” he said.
"For 60 years we've been part of the Pilbara community and we understand the vital role that cultural events like this play in fostering identity and connection within the community. It's great to partner for another year with the City of Karratha to deliver this year's event."
Visitors to the exhibition can cast their vote in the Pilbara Ports People’s Choice Award, to be announced on August 11 at the Fortescue Children's Art Day.
2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
BEST OVERALL ARTWORK - City of Karratha
Artwork ID: 5055
Artist Name: Allery Sandy
Artwork Title: Dry River Bed Burnt Country
$20,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This sophisticated work is deeply evocative. The exquisite materiality of this piece elicits a rich association to land, movement and the inevitability of change. The tacit use of materials results in a landscape of pattern and possibility.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/5055
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BEST ARTWORK BY PILBARA ARTIST - City of Karratha
Artwork ID: 4020
Artist Name: Melissa Sandy
Artwork Title: Tide Going Out
$10,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This work combines a First Nations artist's sensibility with a traditional fine art reading. In combining an understanding of perspective with mark making it succeeds beautifully.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/4020
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EMERGING YOUNG ARTIST - Citic Pacific Mining
Artwork ID: 1003
Artist Name: Paige Davey
Artwork Title: Dinner Time
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This piece has a great sense of joy and whimsy, painted skilfully, creating a strong composition that's full of well-constructed detail. Like many still-life paintings, it feels like a view into the artist's world - 'Things' that form part of their identity and sense of self, at least for the small moment in their life when the painting was made. A highly amusing take on bringing our child-selves with us into adulthood. Delightful eclectic and playful.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/1003
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NORTH WEST FLORA AND FAUNA - Rio Tinto
Artwork ID: 2020
Artist Name: Peta Riley
Artwork Title: Pilbara Reds
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This work uses diverse techniques that are well combined in dynamic angular representations of flora and fauna and celebrates a graphic portrayal of nature.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/2020
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OPEN THEME - Rio Tinto
Artwork ID: 3017
Artist Name: Deanne Haddow
Artwork Title: Haddowland Marris
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This work beautifully captures the marri forest experience, immersed in the organised chaos of nature. There's strong evidence of technique, and considered observation. The subtle but varied hue work well under the linear overlay of white lines to bring out the chaotic nature of a place that also has a peaceful meditative quality.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/3017
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PAINTING BY PILBARA INDIGENOUS ARTIST - City of Karratha
Artwork ID: 4010
Artist Name: Kathleen Maree Sorensen
Artwork Title: Dua
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
The piece is a successful crossover between western and First nations art... figuration and abstraction. The hues and patterns used are striking but complementary, while the overall work hints at a comment on colonialism. A fresh voice dealing with a subject matter that invites political discussion.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/4010
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PILBARA LANDSCAPE - Pilbara Development Commission
Artwork ID: 5040
Artist Name: Lesley Marshall
Artwork Title: Python Pool
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This artwork brilliantly captures the movement of sunlight through the landscape. The linear vertical marks shows the passage and intensity of light through the gorges. A sensitive abstraction with a well resolved sense of place.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/5040
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PORTRAITS - Stardeck Group
Artwork ID: 6007
Artist Name: Sam James
Artwork Title: Rachael in the Rain
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
Skilfully painted with gorgeous colours under the skin. This beautiful work is sensitively rendered and a highly nuanced expression invites the viewer into the mind of the subject and elicits a sense of empathy. An intimate and enduring portrait.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/6007
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WORKS ON PAPER - City of Karratha
Artwork ID: 7024
Artist Name: Kelli Dawson
Artwork Title: July '85
$8,000 prize
Judges’ comments:
This intricate piece successfully plays with the material possibilities of the paper itself - cutting into, folding and rolling it, plus illustrating onto it. The substrate has become an integral part of the work and the plethora of iconography are well resolved. The combination of materials creates a sense of depth giving a commentary on the historical use of the land.
https://www.cossackartawards.com.au/store/p/7024
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Cossack Art Awards is proudly presented by the City of Karratha with Principal Partner Rio Tinto; Category Sponsors Citic Pacific Mining, Pilbara Development Commission, Pilbara Ports, Rio Tinto and Stardeck Group; Public Program sponsors Woodside Energy and its joint venture partners, and Fortescue, Children's Art Award sponsors Dunnart, Powertech and Paintbox; and Event sponsors IAS Fine Art Logistics, Cleanaway, and Santos