A SYDNEY-based artist has won first prize in the prestigious Redland Art Awards, announced at a gala event earlier in the month at Redland Art Gallery (RAG) in Cleveland.
Mirra Whale’s work, Seafood Still Life for Margaret, was inspired by the work of still life artist Margaret Olley.
Mirra said she was thrilled with the win and proud that her artwork would sit in the Redland Art Gallery Collection.
“I’m still pinching myself,” she said.
“Seafood Still Life for Margaret was part of a body of work inspired and created during an artist’s residency in 2023 at the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre where I was surrounded by Margaret Olley’s loved, prized, everyday possessions.
“To pay tribute to Olley in my style and to have it acknowledged is an enormous honour.”
The awards received more than 400 entries from across Australia, from which 55 finalists were selected.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Mirra’s oil painting, which has been acquired for the Redland Art Gallery Collection, was evocative of Olley’s work and celebrated the still life genre.
“It is a truly deserving winner among what was a remarkably broad range of entries received this year,” she said.
“The biennial Redland Art Awards are a unique platform that celebrate the diversity and depth of contemporary painting in Australia.
“Mirra’s work of art is a wonderfully nostalgic study with a playful contemporary twist.”
Redland Art Awards 2024 judging panel lead Steven Alderton described Mirra’s winning artwork as “an incredible piece, layered in the history of still life in Australia in referring to Margaret Olley, with Mirra’s own quintessential contemporary style”.
He said he had been hugely impressed by the quality of work and diversity of practice on show in all the entries.
Mr Alderton is a curator and art consultant, and is a former RAG director, having overseen the establishment of the Redland City Council-operated gallery in Cleveland 21 years ago.
He was joined on the judging panel by Avril Quaill, director of Quandamooka Arts and Cultural Centre (QUAMPI) / Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and well-respected Brisbane gallerist, Jan Manton, Jan Manton Art, who were also on the finalists selection panel.
The 2024 Redland Art Awards winners and all finalists will have their work exhibited at RAG Cleveland until Tuesday, January 28.
Voting for the Meredith Foxton People’s Choice Award ($1000) is open to the public throughout the exhibition.
The winner will be announced on January 28 by committee members of the Redland Yurara Art Society, sponsors of the award.
For the full list of 2024 Redland Arts Awards winners, visit artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/redland-art-awards-2024.
