Melbourne-based artist Diena Georgetti has won the $30,000 2021 Geelong contemporary art prize for her painting AMPERSAND 2020.
The painting’s “conceptual poise and eloquent formal composition” drew the judging panel, including eminent art historians and curators, Jenepher Duncan and Grazia Gunn, and Geelong Gallery director Jason Smith.
The synthetic polymer painting on canvas extends Diena Georgetti’s idiosyncratic approach to picture-making, as she juxtaposes abstract images and references to art historical precedents, along with modernist aesthetics, including design and fashion.
AMPERSAND combines references to cubism, the classical nude pose and the enfolding pathos of Henry Moore’s sculpture and drawing.
The judges agreed that a relevant contemporary humanism pervades AMPERSAND, opening-up this precisely constructed but poetic image to many readings and interpretations.
They chose the painting from 28 finalists, after the gallery received more than 600 entries from across Australia.
The acquisitive prize assists the ongoing growth of the gallery’s collection, while promoting contemporary Australian artists.
Geelong Gallery will remain closed until at least Friday due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But the gallery plans to display work from the 2021 Geelong contemporary art prize until August 22, once permitted to reopen.
Details: www.geelonggallery.org.au
