KATHERINE PRIZE

PAST WINNERS

48th Katherine Prize

Julie and Geoff Newton Major Prize
Sonia Martignon – On the Edge

The 2023 Katherine Prize judges saw this as a standout work of art, commenting how they were drawn in initially by the striking form of the burnt tree, and then through those foregrounded branches. The landscape that is rendered, almost just hinted at, reveals itself quietly through the way the delicate shadows fall. This is a painting rich in detail and just beautifully executed. It’s almost as if you can feel the heat coming off the landscape, smell the smoke in the air and hear the crunch of the dried leaves

Katherine Town Council Prize
Katherine Bradley – Woodland & Rocks (2 hours down the road)

As his Honour aptly said, this is a piece we could really take our time to wander through. We were impressed by the execution of the broad range of media used in the painting, and captivated by the details that continued to reveal themselves in this unmistakable Territory landscape. The more time we spent with the work the more we saw.

Highly Commended
Bex Shin – The Old Bastard

Our judges spent more than an hour in thoughtful consideration to determine the recipients of the Katherine Prize Award. Additionally, three pieces, while not awarded, merited honorable mentions.

Kate Land said ‘In the unassuming and humble materials of pencil and paper, this artist has managed to create a depth that captures a sense of the subjects spirit. It was clear that a lot of love and emotion went into making this work. Congratulations.’

Highly Commended
John Leemans – The Road Train

Kate Land expressed, we kept coming back to look at this work many times, drawn to the playfulness in the way the artist captured the road train within the landscape. Travelling through but very much a part of, in amongst hidden characters forming part of a bigger story.

Highly Commended
Carol Randall – Hot Springs & Noodles, Katherine

Kate mentioned during her speech how she ‘observed that in 10 or 15 years time, this is probably the work I would remember. It stood out immediately, of course because of the cheeky materiality. And of course it captures the very familiar local hot springs, but in a way that I think would be universally familiar, evoking the feeling of happy days sharing a beautiful place with others.’

Peoples Choice Award
Rachelle McLean – Nitmiluk Red

A striking depiction of the local landscape, Nitmiluk Red by Rachelle McLean certainly has had a lasting impression on those who visited the gallery. Both colour and brushwork combine, drawing you into a peaceful reverie, as if you are almost in the gorge itself. This spiritual place with its weathered cliff faces, offset by the lush greens of the resilient vegetation, exudes serenity and tranquillity which is needed in this modern world. The last rays of light bring forth the red ochres in the rocks, which speak to the pink tinges in the sky.

47th Katherine Prize

Julie and Geoff Newton Major Prize
Danny Murphy – Home Here, Clay

The 2022 Katherine Prize judges saw this as a standout work of art, commenting that it is a technically accomplished hand-thrown vessel referencing classic Romanesque ceramics. They noted its elegantly proportioned lines with smooth bulbous walls that curve into the neck with effortless grace. And they remarked on the distinctive glaze and surface treatment that makes this a unique ceramic work and an object of beauty, pleasing form, and practical function.

Katherine Town Council Award
Jose Patalinghug – Weekend Moment, Pastel on paper

These judges were drawn to this quiet and unassuming picture. They noted that the drawing is distinctive for its use of colour, texture, perspective and composition—and how the illusion of light creates a luminosity. They remarked that the one-point perspective pulls the viewer in, until we seem to be at the market scene. At a distance, Weekend moment appears realistic, but upon closer inspection it reveals itself to be impressionistic mark-making with plenty of mystery for the viewer. The 2022 Katherine Prize judges commented that its candid and nuanced composition presents a routine scene where the artist demonstrates an excellent understanding and use of the pastel on paper medium.

Highly Commended
Scott Morthorpe- Wasp, Steel

Like many of our visitors on opening night, the 2022 Katherine Prize judges were drawn to this assembled sculpture. They noted that Wasp presents as a thoughtful and inventive use of repurposed metal forms, resulting in a truly striking sculpture. It’s form—a simple insect—transcends its metal medium, suggesting weightlessness and an ability to take flight.

Youth Winner
Peta-Lee Haynes- Emu, Dry point etching with chine collé

The 2022 Katherine Prize judges were charmed by Emu, saying that it pops out of the frame and calls you back when you walk past it—a lot like an emu might. This playful etching successfully captures the essence of the tall native bird and is undeniably quirky, inquisitive, disruptive and cheeky!

Youth Highly Commended
Poppi-May Crowder – Octopus, Dry point etching

Octopus is highly commended for is technical attention to detail and intriguing presentation. The judges noted that it conveys a delicate portrayal of this marine creature.

Youth Highly Commended
Tayler Campbell – Black Cockatoo, Collagraph

The 2022 Katherine prize judges were also drawn into Black cockatoo, noting how it uses the medium of etching to convey an atmospheric representation with a hint of mystery—a kind of celebration of this avian emblem of the Top End of Australia.

Peoples Choice Award
Anna Bartel – Mystic Waters, Mount Borradaile

The people of Katherine have spoken. Help us congratulate this years Peoples Choice Award Winner Anna Bartel, for her work Mystic Waters. We can see why this piece was a crowd favourite.

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