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Last Updated: Wednesday, 30 August 2023 12:53

Published: Wednesday, 30 August 2023 12:25

Can humble sheets of paper be re-worked into fine art objects?

Victorian artist Zoe Veness’s cotton rag paper neckpiece, Wreath 2023, showed it was possible to elevate everyday materials to items of rare beauty when her entry was awarded the $6000 first prize in Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery’s Contemporary Wearables ’23 Biennial Jewellery Award.

Award judge Chloë Powell, Co-Founder and Director of Radiant Pavilion, Melbourne, said the winning piece displayed exceptional technique, combined with a deft use of materials.

“I wanted to wear it as soon as I saw it and then I got lost in the technique, and the time taken to make it,” Ms Powell told Friday’s Award audience at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

“It seems effortless and light, not rigid, and sits beautifully on the body. The ideas behind the piece came together with clarity.

“The viewer doesn’t look at the work and know it is paper. There is strength built into the technique. The essence of contemporary jewellery is to use materials that you would not expect to see worn or have value placed on them.

“The materials, processes, ideals and experiences behind each of these works (in the exhibition) are so different, it’s impossible to compare them.”

Ms Powell said barely a hair’s breadth separated the top two pieces, with Kirsten Haydon’s Ice holds 2023 named the runner-up.

Ice holds is an installation of nine neckpieces and 36 pendants, which was inspired by her visit as an Antarctic Arts Fellow to the southern continent in 2004.

Ms Powell said Haydon’s reflective glass beads frozen over the enamel captured the essence and fragility of ice and Antarctica so beautifully.

Both pieces were acquired for the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery – Toowoomba City Collection (*For the full list, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au )

The Student Award was awarded to Beth Sanderson for her series of four brooches, Grating 2022.

Ms Powell was full of praise for the entire exhibition and commended Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery for its work to build one of the two most comprehensive regional collections of contemporary jewellery in Australia.

Ms Powell was equally effusive for the work and the welcome she received from the entire Gallery team.

“I’m completing my PhD thesis on the invisibility of gallery workers and their efforts behind the scenes to plan, install and present exhibitions, such as Contemporary Wearables ’23,” Ms Powell said.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council was pleased to continue its support for the Awards and to build one of the most cohesive surveys of contemporary jewellery and object practice in Australia.

“We are thrilled with the entries, award winners and acquisitions from 2023,” Mayor McDonald said.

“This is the major Toowoomba Regional Council-funded initiative for contemporary visual arts practice, and we are proud to support Australian artists.”

The nationally recognised award exhibition is Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery's contribution to promoting excellence in contemporary adornment and is proudly supported by Toowoomba Regional Council.

Every two years, the exhibition showcases the current trends of makers and celebrates the innovation and craftmanship of artists.

The Award was established by the former Toowoomba City Council in 1989 with the aid of the Toowoomba Gallery Society Inc.

The exhibition pieces, which have been created by 45 artists around Australia, will be displayed at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery until Sunday, November 19, 2023.

This year’s Award was juried by Christian Hall, Cassandra Lehman and Emily McCulloch Childs.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery at 531 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The Gallery is open on Monday September 18 and Tuesday September 19 from 10.30am to 3.30pm during the exhibition. The Gallery is closed on other Mondays, Tuesdays and all public holidays. Entry is free.

A free Twilight Tour will be held from 5.30pm on Thursday, October 19. Bookings are essential by calling 131 872. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 18.

To view the Awards ceremony recording, please visit: https://youtube.com/live/Z2tVBOA9HhU?feature=share

DETAIL: Top and centre:

Award winner: Zoe Veness / Wreath 2023 / Neckpiece: archival paper, stainless-steel cable, sterling-silver tubing / 42 x 42 x 4cm / © Zoe Veness

Award judge Chloë Powell with Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald.

(Below)
Kirsten Haydon / Ice holds 2023 / Installation of 9 neckpieces & 36 pendants – steel, enamel, photo transfer, reflector beads, silver, nylon / 65 x 72 x 1cm (overall) / © Kirsten Haydon

(Bottom)
Beth Sanderson / Grating 2022 / Series of 4 brooches: mild steel, vitreous enamels, stainless steel, pearls, QZ stone / rectangle: 7.5 x 5.5 x 2.7cm; oval: 10.0 x 7.0 x 2.7cm; circle: 7.0 diameter x 2.5cm; trapezoid: 8.7 x 6.8 x 2.5cm / Photograph: Chris Bowes / © Beth Sanderson