HISTORY OF THE KATHERINE PRIZE

The Katherine prize is an annual celebration of the extraordinary diversity that exists in the Northern Territory arts landscape. This exhibition brings together artists of all ages, cultural backgrounds, languages and regions of the NT. The prize is unique in it’s inclusivity – accepting entries of any medium, by artists at all stages of their creative practice. 

The Katherine Prize has been a cherished celebration of Northern Territory artists for 49 years. The first iteration of the prize took place in 1975 when Katherine local, Brian Lambert, noted the low number of visual art entries in the Katherine Show. Inspired by the quality of entries, Brian offered an annual $500 prize for the best painting. 

In 1977 the Katherine Town Council hosted the Brian and Jeannette Lambert Art Prize as an acquisitional art prize. Over time, the Prize grew with contributions from Dr Kathleen Short and other champions of the arts in the Katherine community. The acquisition of the winning entry ceased in 2005 as there was no room left to house the now extensive art collection.

The Katherine Prize continued to be funded by the Katherine Town Council and was hosted at the Civic Centre until 2012 when the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre officially opened. The foresight and contribution of the Lambert family has been recognized through the naming of our main gallery space, the Lambert Gallery.

 

In 2020, Geoff and Julie Newton, became the new sponsors of the Major Award—joining Katherine Town Council as our ongoing prize partner.

The 49th Katherine Prize 2024, had a collective, 99 entries between both the adult and young people categories. Entries were judged by Emerson Radisch, (Director Visual Arts, Barkly Regional Arts) and Kamahi Djordon King (Performing and Visual Artist), with winners presented the below awards.

KATHERINE PRIZE

SPONSORED BY JULIE AND GEOFFERY NEWTON

WALKING EAST AFTER FIRE BY J9 STANTON

JUDGES COMMENTS

Hands down winner with the Artist’s own explanation of the piece and the illusion created with the use of the mediums.  From any angle the piece changes with the light and shadows self created making it look like a different piece of art from wherever your perspective is.  The use of the material in various states of rust encapsulate the post burn colours of the east Mcdonnell Ranges perfectly. 

KATHERINE TOWN COUNCIL AWARD

 

FISHTRAP, FULL ONE BY JULIE ASHLEY

JUDGES COMMENTS

The winner of the KTC award was another standout artwork.  Julie’s use  of natural pandanus fibre is a longstanding tradition, and the craftmanship displayed through her technique is astounding. 

The title of the piece is full of humour and lends itself to the Kriol explanation that is widely used in the Katherine area.

A beautiful piece overall and a visual standout in the actual piece which elevates and expands the use of fibre art into something that is highly contemporary art,

HIGHLY COMMENDED

FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD I&II BY DANNY MURPHY

JUDGES COMMENTS

 

 Very strong and visually striking artworks that through their material capture the weathered landscape of the Katherine Region.  In their patina, you’re able to see sandstone, shrubbery, dust, cliff face and still waters.

Very happy to present this Highly Commended award to a local artist that incorporates local, organic and natural materials into their practice, highlighting the significance of our landscape.

 

MINDIL BY CATHERINE MILES 

JUDGES COMMENTS

 

The use of light and shadows in this piece create an overall realistic painting that really effectively depicts and displays the territory style of life that is Darwin.  The sunset here in this piece is an iconic statement as it is the very same beach that holds the Mindil beach sunset markets and the long tradition of the Beer Can Regatta.  The painting technique used is impressive as there are squares that appear throughout the painting in various different shapes, sizes and colours which adds to the elusive texture of the painting.

 

AGES 5-10

 

 WINNER

FRIENDS BY LIAM TOOTELL

JUDGES COMMENTS

A strong painting playfully showing cows that is both realistic and fun.

 

 

 

AGES 11-14

 

 

WINNER

FREDDO FROG BY JESSICA HUDDLESTON

JUDGES COMMENTS

Jessica created a wonderfully realistic artwork that shows great understanding of the techniques of painting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIGHLY COMMENDED

UNTITLED BY AURA RAINEY 

JUDGES COMMENTS

A bright, vibrant and extremely interesting floral painting.

 

AGES 15-17

 

 

 

WINNER

SEVEN DEADLY SINS BY EMILY BOALAR

JUDGES COMMENTS

Emily’s seven artwork series is a standout for both of us.
It has a great concept, displaying the seven deadly sins individually and
showcases a really developed understanding of working with clay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SELF PORTRAIT BY CADENCE COURTNEY 

JUDGES COMMENTS

Cadence’s painting is remarkably realistic, and in her using of oil, we were really impressed with her mastery of quite a difficult material to paint with.