‘Wing and Wave’ wins Vessel & Sculpture Awards

Wellington artist Johnny Turner took home the top prize of $2500 in the 9th Manukau Vessel and Sculpture Awards announced last Friday night.

His beautiful stone work, ‘The Wing and Wave’ (carried us here), impressed exhibition selector and judge Filipe Tohi with its strong, powerful outlines and form, with clear references to a bird in flight and flowing water. The underside of the sculpture resembles the body of a waka or canoe with reference to movement and journeys.

A master sculptor, Johnny decided to enter the awards at the very last minute, making the journey to Auckland with his entry precariously stowed in the back of his ute.

Second prize of $1000 went to Howick sculptor Tanya Blong for her whimsical work ‘My boat is leaving today’, with the $750 third prize going to Sofia Athineou from Henderson. Her brightly-hued green cast glass work ‘Lahani’ impressed the judge who commented: “It has a perfect finish, texture and luminous quality that tingles with life and gives it a sense of intrigue”.

So high was the standard of entries this year that three merit awards of $750 were awarded to artists Mia Straka, Margaret Bell and Katherine Batchelor.

Manukau’s Vessel and Sculpture Awards continue to grow in status with more than 90 entries received this year from throughout New Zealand. Guest selector and judge renowned Tongan artist Filipe Tohi, had a tough job selecting the 47 entries for exhibition.

The exhibition runs until November 28 at the historic Nathan Homestead in Manurewa.

What: 9th Manukau Vessel & Sculpture Exhibition

When: 3 – 28 November

Where: Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa

Entry: Free

For further information, photographs of the winning artworks and artists, or to interview the winners, please contact Naomi Singer, Arts Marketing Coordinator, Manukau Arts. Email: nsinger@manukau.govt.nz or phone 027-272-8445.

The list of other category winners is below.

ENDS

List of Winners

9th Manukau Vessel & Sculpture Awards

Guest selector & judge: Filipe Tohi

Exhibition Opening and Awards Night: Friday 3 November

Exhibition runs utnil 28 November, 2006

Venue: Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa

Premier Award:

Johnny Turner, Wellington

Title of work: 'The Wing and Wave' (carried us here)

2nd Prize:

Tanya Blong, Howick (originally from Taranaki)

Title of work: My boat is leaving today

3rd Prize:

Sofia Athineou, Henderson Valley

Title of work: Lahani

Merit Award:

Mia Straka, Mt Albert (but originally from Puhoi)

Title of work: Full of my self necklace

Merit Award:

Margaret Bell, Wattle Downs, Manukau

Title of work: Manukau Fossils

Merit Award:

Katherine Batchelor, Kaiwaka

Title of work: Mend

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