September 2023 Purple Noon Gallery NSW 2756
Local Brisbane artist, Kate Barry, currently exhibiting at Side Gallery, Red Hill, wins the national Hawkesbury Art Prize with over 570 entrants from around Australia. The Hawkesbury Art Prize is a national non-acquisitive art award originally established in 2011 by Dr Robyn Williams, with the winner receiving $10,000 plus a 2-week art residency at Glenhuntly Estate, Kurrajong. The prize is a not-for-profit and the proceeds fund a scholarship for an art student to attend the National Art School in Sydney. Artist Kate Barry says: 'I’m honoured to receive first place for my artwork “Illumine”. Thank you to judges Linda Gregoriou, Julie Brackenreg and Angus Fisher. Thank you to Susan Templeman, MP Federal Member for Macquarie, and Dr Robyn Williams. "Prominent judge Linda Gregoriou offered insights into the criteria for choosing the winning artwork. This includes considering subject matter that aligns with the contemporary Australian landscape theme, evaluating the skill and craftsmanship demonstrated in the application of paint and brushwork, and assessing the artwork's ability to evoke sensuality and elicit a strong emotional response, making it compelling and captivating, drawing viewers back to it. Distinguished guests at the Opening and Awards night included Australia’s Special Envoy to the Arts and Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, State Member for Hawkesbury and Special Envoy for the Arts, Robyn Preston, and the National Art School representative, COO and CFO Victoria White.Artist Kate Barry describes her winning artwork 'Illumine' as 'Intended contemplative and graceful surface manipulation of muted translucent colour and coruscating shapes seen in sunrise, “Illumine” is a shifting skyscape that sparks an intellectual or psychological musing as our senses awaken and we allow ourselves to be drawn in.'
Kate Barry, originally from Christchurch, is a creative force equipped with a degree in illustration, printing-making, and graphic design. Her journey led her through a prolific career in Brisbane in book publishing, primarily focusing on design and illustration, before reigniting her full-time devotion to painting.With a visceral touch, Kate’s art dismantles the confines of our digital lives, responding intuitively to nature and internal musings. This engagement evokes nostalgia and a profound connection to the energy that envelops us. Through her vibrant canvas, she invites passersby to become captivated by bold brushwork and vivid hues.Kate’s journey has been acknowledged with numerous finalist selections in esteemed awards, including the Clayton Utz Prize, The Lethbridge 20,000, Lethbridge Landscape Prize, The Milburn Landscape Prize and Brisbane Contemporary Art Prize and now winner of The Hawkesbury Art Prize
Her artistic footprint spans the globe, with solo and group exhibitions spanning Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, the USA, Spain, the Netherlands, Auckland, and Christchurch. Notably, her pieces find a cherished place in The Modern Furniture Stores’ collections across various cities. Furthermore, her work found prominence on the international stage through ABC television’s crime drama“Harrow.” As Kate’s practice surges ahead, marked by many accomplishments—ranging from commissions to online and boutique sales, television features, and national prize positions—she seamlessly integrates this progression into her exploration of new conceptual dimensions, challenging the boundaries of her successful painting career.
Don't miss the opportunity to catch Kate Barry's latest exhibition 'Diversion' currently showing at Side Gallery through to Saturday, 9 September 2023. Arts writer Jess McNicol says, 'Barry’s painted layers reveal her experience, and that familiarity begins to resolve itself in her gestural freedom. The works in Barry’s latest exhibition 'Diversion,' express a time and place we are all familiar with — the tenderness and contemplation that make up the layers of our own day-to-day life.'
If you can't make it to the gallery to view Kate's latest body of work, jump online www.sidegallery.com.au.For a copy of the beautiful exhibition catalogue, contact Side Gallery atinfo@sidegallery.com.auor download a copy athttps://sidegallery.com.au/images/artwork/diversion/Kate-Barry-Catalogue-D1-A4.pdf
