2009: The Year Of Zhong-ni Ren

Media Release: For Immediate Release

2009: The Year Of Zhong-ni Ren

Amongst the backdrop of red lanterns Kelly Zhong-ni Ren beat out heavy favorites to scoop the North Shore City Supreme Award at the 2009 NZ Body Art Awards.

The NZ Body Art Awards 2009 was themed as “Fantasia Asia”, with the 62 contestants using this theme to create both weird and wonderful pieces of walking art, letting the audience’s imagination run wild as both local and international artists attempted to capture this spirit.

After earlier picking up the SPFX Fantasy award (sponsored by Weta Workshop) for her macabre Oni styled piece, news of her Supreme Award win became overwhelming for Zhong-ni Ren. Taking to the stage in sheer astonishment of her win, she went on to announce to the crowd “Everybody loves me! Thank you to everybody who loves me!”

In other categories, Yolanda Bertram, who was crowned a World Champion in Austria last week, picked up the the top award in “Air Brushed”, while Carmel McCormick, hotly tipped to win a triple crown after her 2007 and 2008 successes, picked up the “Hand Painted” award.

Audience member Jude Ellenton was also a winner in 2009, picking up the “Fantasia Asia” best themed costume – all for just turning up to the awards!

Another complete success, this year’s ceremony on media interest alone has shown than it throughout its history, the NZ Body Art Awards has become one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the NZ arts world – and 2010, looks set to become even bigger.

See the overleaf for a complete list of winners.

ENDS

NZ BODY ART AWARDS 2009 WINNERS:

North Shore City Supreme Award:
Kelly Zhong-ni Ren

Best Emerging Artist sponsored by NZ Body Art Trust
Carly Marr

Best Performance Model sponsored by Lex Collection
Laughton Kora

Hand Painted Body Art sponsored by New World Victoria Park
Special Commendation - Ana Trenwith
1st runner up - Emma Edworthy
Winner - Carmel McCormick

Air Brushed Body Art sponsored by Minifies
Special Commendation - Magdalena O’Connor
1st runner up - Nicole Heydenrijk
Winner - Yolanda Bartram

SPFX Fantasy sponsored by Weta Workshop
Special Commendation - Erin Harrison
1st runner up - Michele Perry
Winner - Kelly Zhong-ni Ren

Mask sponsored by TopMark Products
Prosthetic/Rubber
Special mention to artist, Jan Maree Vodanovich and her model, Shannon Loo
Special Commendation - Kristy Hitchens
1st runner up - Monique McKeown (Green Dragon)
Winner - Abi Taylor

Masquerade
Special Commendation - Deborah Moore
1st runner up - Yolanda Bartram
Winner - Emma Edworthy

SPFX Creatures sponsored by Weta Workshop
Special Commendation - Hayden Wick
1st runner up - Alia Rozeboom
Winner - Carly Marr

Audience Fantasia Asia best themed costume sponsored by KEA Campers
Jude Ellenton

Hand Painted Body Art Novice sponsored by idesign

Special Commendation - Myrtha Heydenrijk
1st runner up - Kara Jensen
Winner - Claire Sunderland

Ethnic & Tribal sponsored by Rosemont wines
Special Commendation - Danielle Meredith
1st runner up - Andi Soon
Winner - Kim Boyd

Maori Myths and Fantasies sponsored by Te Puni Kokiri
Special Commendation - Donna Waihi
1st runner up - Anthony Wilson
Winner - Kelly Isherwood

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