A Finalist in the Gallipoli Art Prize 2012

The Gallipoli Art Prize Competition commenced in 2006 and will be conducted annually up to and inclusive of the Centenary Year 2015.

The Gallipoli Art Prize is awarded to the artist who best depicts the spirit of the Gallipoli Campaign as expressed in the Club’s “Creed”: “We believe that within the community there exists an obligation for all to preserve the special qualities of loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship which were personified by the heroes of the Gallipoli Campaign and bequeathed to all humanity as a foundation for perpetual peace and universal freedom”.

The Gallipoli Art Prize is now well-attended by the Media. This year there were 143 submissions by artists and 43 paintings were selected for the finalists. My painting was one of the 43 selected finalists. The judges included John McDonald, Jane Watters, Barry Pearce, Craig Hickey.

The Gallipoli Art Prize has been awarded to Geoff Harvey, who best depicts the spirit of the Gallipoli Campaign as expressed in the Club’s Creed. I think Geoff Harvey deserves the winning prize, although there were so many who could have deserved the prize as well. But in this game, there is always only ONE winner.

Media Coverage: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/anzac-day/rust-on-canvas-wins-gallipoli-prize/story-e6frgdaf-1226336193522

About my painting

Title:               The Reflective Soldier

Medium:         Oil on canvas

Size:                (100 cm x 100 cm)

Description of the Artwork

This painting is dedicated to all the Australian and New Zealand heroes who have sacrificed their lives for perpetual peace and universal freedom. Their courage, respect and love and loyalty of country are very much appreciated by Australian and New Zealand people. This painting is cubist style, inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso. I was particularly thinking of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (1897-1935) when I painted this picture. He was a true Australian hero who in World War I, fought at Gallipoli and flew with Britain’s Royal Flying Corps. However, this painting is entitled “The Reflective Soldier” because this hero can be anyone we know or think of in particular. I tried to imagine what could go on in our heroes’ minds during their war duties. Hence, in this painting, many emotional expressions are simultaneously portrayed: braved, strategic, committed, determined, caring, yet cautious, mindful, uncertain and anguished. By covering part of the face, an emotion can be reflected. The colours of the Australian flag as the background reflect the love and pride of the country – the reason why they are out there. One extra star point in the flag is dedicated to the New Zealand heroes. I hope that this painting will help us recognise how we have become who we are now and how fortunate we are to have these heroes to protect our countries and regions for perpetual peace and universal freedom.

Here are some more photos of my paintings, the prize announcement event and other paintings I found facinating.

This is me in front of my painting "The Reflective Soldier"

Geoff Harvey in front of his painting "Trench Interment"

 Some journalists around looking for the best painting and writing stories

 Some journalists around looking for the best painting and writing stories

"I Was Young When I left Home" by Paul Ryan

"They Wore Feathers (Uncle Jim)" by Peter Gardiner (Left); "Todd #1" by Alan Jones (Top right); and "Cpl of the Light Horse -- Baluchi (The Spirit is Still Alive)" by Russell K. Fuller (Bottom right)

"Garden of Remembrance, 2012" by Leo Robba

"Wipe Away Your Tears" by Craig Waddell

"The Memorial" by Bill Nix

"Special Bond" by Sharyn Jones (Top); "Cenotaph" by Craig Handley (Middle); and "Poppies" by Judy Paradice (Bottom)

Geoff Harvey contemplating

Nick Zhi Bi being proud of the Reflective Soldier

The artist posting

Save the Best for Last!

Acknowledgments

Thanks go to Damir Jambrek for his love, support and encouragement. Damir has brought the best out of me. Thanks also goes to the Gallipoli Memorial Club, the judges and specifically to Mr John Szetu for organising this wonderful event for artists to be part of this significant tribute to all the war heroes. Thanks also extended to my family and friends who are always there when I need you and your kind support.

Public Exhibition

Tuesday, 24th Aprilto end on Friday 11th May 2012 between the hours of 10AM to 5PM every day, except for a public holiday, 25th April.

Address

Gallipoli Memorial Club Ltd - Level 2, 12 Loftus St, Sydney NSW (Close to Circular Quay Train and Bus Stops) T: 9235 1533 F: 9235 1577

Lest We Forget!

Happy ANZAC Day 2012!