Trust Waikato National Contemporary Art Award 2007

Any selection process for an award is not only informed by the quality, quantity and characteristics of the submitted works, but also by the judge’s taste, interest and cultural and professional background. By going through the submitted works for this year’s Trust Waikato National Contemporary Art Award, I was struck by those works, which addressed in a blunt or sophisticated manner, issues commonly referred to as “the human condition”. Whether in a direct or subtle, poetic or formally ascetic way, the works seem to probe at the fragility of our existence, our longing, our desire for contact, our questions about our position in this world, feelings of loss and sorrow, uncertainties regarding our identity and our attachment to the magic of this world.
We look into outer space and look inside of us; we are mesmerized by the grace of an everyday object, and search for answers with our head in the clouds. Death is in the midst of us as we are surrounded by beauty. Exhibition Catalogue
Dr Leonhard Emmerling 2007 TWNCAA JudgeGallery Director St Paul Street Gallery