Jo Reitze is a Finalist in The Geelong Contemporary Art Prize 2021
The exhibition at Geelong Gallery runs from 29 May -22 August.
Selected from over 600 entries from around the country, the 28 shortlisted works for the 2021 Geelong Contemporary Art Prize reflect the sophistication and rich diversity of contemporary Australian painting.
The selection panel for this award included eminent art historians and curators, Jenepher Duncan and Grazia Gunn together with Geelong Gallery Director & CEO, Jason Smith
Shortlisted Painting
Geelong Conservatory 2021
110 x 90cm
Oil on Linen
‘Geelong Conservatory’ captures the leafy oasis of the recently refurbished glasshouse in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. My painting encloses the viewer in a beautiful environment in which to contemplate. The large overlapping frond, seen from a close vantage point, invites further exploration of the mysterious beyond. Recognizable, luxuriant tropical plants, such as bromeliads and the Japanese laurel are differentiated by pattern, textures, and tone while other distant shapes are harder to discern. Restful green hues dominate and unify the composition while the small touches of warm, vibrant pinks and crimsons provide balance. Strong tonal contrasts create depth and enhance the vibrancy of the colours.
The essence of the scene is captured with freely executed and lyrical mark making achieved by applying the oil paint with small, flat, Taklon brushes. Yet this painting is more than a visual record. It is a celebration of the restorative powers of nature.
I was recently surprised when contacted by a member of the internationally prestigious art society, France Artistique Association, inviting me to join them. You can only be admitted if you are nominated by a living member and are subsequently accepted by a Panel of its Jurors.
I am delighted to now add to my name “Chevalier Academicien”
One of my works, entitled “ The Yarra at Warrandyte”, was selected for inclusion in the Australian Watercolour Muster 2021, to be showcased in a Digital Gallery, from the 23rd August. Additionally, it has been shortlisted as one of the 32 Best, which subsequently will be exhibited at the Old Court House Gallery in Cairns. This exhibition is scheduled to run from the 11th September to the 23rd October 2021.
Cynthia Boyle
The attached image is called ‘The Green Man -after the fires’. It is graphite pencil on A-2 220 gsm drawing paper.
It won 2nd prize at the Kenneth Jack Memorial Drawing Prize. It is currently at AGRA gallery in Camberwell.
Danielle Robertson won 1st prize
It’s part of an ongoing series of paintings and drawings exploring the landscapes affected by fires, looking at cause, devastation, effect and regeneration.
Cynthia has sent a video of the winners:
Green Man after the fires, Cynthia Boyle