Thirty three (33) emerging artists have been selected as finalists for the churchie national emerging art prize 2015. From a record number of over 900 artworks, received from across Australia, 38 artworks will be profiled in the highly anticipated exhibition presented at Griffith University Art Gallery (Brisbane, Australia) for the sixth year in a row.

In 2015, the judging will be undertaken by Rachel Kent (Chief Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney). The winner receives a non-acquisitive cash prize of $15,000, sponsored by Brand + Slater Architects.

Finalists for 2015 are:

Abdul-Rahman Abdullah (WA)
Alrey Batol (QLD)
Amina McConvell (NT)
Anastasia Booth (QLD)
Anne Harris (QLD)
Benjamin Crowley (QLD)
Bobby Kyriakopoulos (VIC)
Chris Bennie (QLD)
Claudia Greathead (QLD)
Dana Lawrie (QLD)
Daniel McKewen (QLD)
Deb Mansfield (NSW)
Genevieve Felix Reynolds (NSW)
Harley Ives (NSW)
James Barth (QLD)
Joshua Bonson (NT)
Justine Varga (NSW)
Llewellyn Millhouse (QLD)
Lydia Wegner (VIC)
Margaret Loy Pula (QLD)
Martin George (VIC)
Matthew Allen (NSW)
Matthew Sneesby (QLD)
Michaela Gleave (NSW)
Patrick Cremin (NSW)
Rachael Archibald (QLD)
Robert Andrew (QLD)
Sam Martin (VIC)
Scott Morrison (VIC)
Sha Sarwari (QLD)
Tai Snaith (VIC)
Tim Woodward (VIC)
Yannick Blattner (QLD)

This year’s entries were enormously varied in subject matter and medium. ‘The selection panel was impressed, said Naomi Evans (Curator, Griffith University Art Gallery), ‘with the range of artworks that demonstrate humaneness, engagement with philosophy, and a willingness to address world issues with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.’  ‘We were grateful to Dr Kyla McFarlane (QAG/GoMA) and Bianca Beetson (Artist) for their participation on the selection panel.’

Vicky Leighton (Head of Art, Churchie) said, ‘The exceptional standard from this year’s finalists is evidence of the incredible talent emerging from across the country.’

With no restrictions or categories, the artworks range from painting, sculpture and photography through to mixed media installation and new media works.

the churchie national emerging art prize is free and open to the public, with the Official Opening + Prize Announcement being held on Friday 31 July 2015 from 6-8 pm.

It will run from 31 July to 29 August 2015, with all works for sale.