Brisbane, 25 September 2015: Emerging Queensland based artist Liam O'Brien was announced the winner of the $10,000 2015 Clayton Utz Art Award last Thursday, for his high definition single channel video titled 'FOE'.
This year's Award judge, internationally recognised Brisbane-based artist Julie Fragar [1] said she was drawn to Liam's work, describing it as the "most powerful work in the show" as it "speaks what it is to be human" and "considers how we manage fear, boredom, disappointment and insecurities of simply being alive".
"There is elegant rhythm in this work, one that seems to parallel the one foot after another nature of human living, punctuated by moments of acute reflection, regret and awakening," said Ms Fragar, who presented Liam with his Award at last Thursday's cocktail function held at the Brisbane offices of Clayton Utz.
Liam was one of 43 finalists for the award, selected from a record 309 entries - the highest in the award's history.
Bronwyn Hill was named the winner of the People's Choice Award, as voted by Clayton Utz Brisbane partners and employees, for her work 'All She Keeps Inside'.
Two other artists were also highly commended for their artwork: Simon Degroot for 'Composite Orders', and Carolyn McKenzie-Craig for 'Index Cards for Normalcy'.
Clayton Utz partner Scott Sharry said the firm was proud and honoured to be able to showcase and support the diverse creations of Queensland's most talented emerging artists.
"Clayton Utz has always been passionate about supporting our community and our commitment to the arts. We are delighted to be able to play a small part in helping these artists to continue to increase their public profile and build an artistic career for themselves through the Clayton Utz Art Award."
All the finalists' artworks are available for sale.
The Clayton Utz Art Award (previously the LAUNCH Art Award) is open to Queensland-based artists or artists with a strong connection to the state.
Clayton Utz would like to acknowledge and thank Lethbridge Gallery for their continued support in co-ordinating and managing the Award.
[1] Julie Fragar's work has been included in exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney and the Art Gallery of New South Wales and QAGOMA, where she is currently included in GOMA Q. Her work is held in the collections of major public and private collections around the country. She has been awarded two Australia Council grants and other significant scholarships and prizes throughout her career. She lectures in Painting at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. Back to article