2006

Paramount Award

Rohan Wealleans is the winner of the Paramount Award for his work “Tingler”. James Wallace, Chairman of the Wallace Arts Trust described Rohan Wealleans’ winning paint, fibreglass and steel sculpture titled Tingler as “something unique, featuring the many wonderful patterns and textures revealed when peeling away layers of paint.” The Paramount Award winner receives $35,000 for a six-month residency in New York with the International Studio and Curatorial Program with included airfares, and a bronze trophy by leading New Zealand sculptor Terry Stringer.

Winner of the 2006 Paramount Award
Rohan WEALLEANS
Tingler
Paint, fibreglass and steel
2565 x 2000 x 2000 mm
Collection of the James Wallace Arts Trust

Rohan Wealleans (b.1977)

The work of Rohan Wealleans addresses the nature of painting, exploring and pushing the boundaries of the medium. Innumerable layers of paint are built up into bulbous shapes and then sliced into, exposing the strata beneath, as ‘he excavates paint layer by layer’.[1]

The sheer size of Wealleans’ work, combined with the application of layers of paint built up and then partially carved away impacts both setting and viewer. ‘These layers have been excavated so the underpainting can be glimpsed like geological strata. It is a world in itself made up of layers of culture and history with only a few places that are deep mysterious holes yet to be explored.’[2]

‘Rohan pushes the painterly expressionist tradition of Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning to its limits and in doing so reflects on primal and instinctive in art, making sculptural paintings with knives and mannequin busts. His marble-like monumental and simultaneously delicate millifiori-like works stimulate a discussion between objects and painting, and challenges the stereotypical heroic sculptor to a brawl on a painter’s turf.’[3]

[1] Anna Miles, ‘Flesh and fruity’ Exhibition brochure, Artspace, 2001
[2] T.J. McNamara, The galleries: Working in mysterious ways (04/10/06)
[3] ‘eSCAPE’ e-zine, Art & Industry Biennial Trust, http://www.artandindustry.org.nz (19/02/07)

Development Award

Maryrose Crook is the winner of the Development Award with her work "Song of the Grey Ghost". Mr Wallace said that the work "shows great imagination". It brings together overworked decorative elements - the pink and white terraces and native flora and faura - to create a highly original and successful work." The prize consists of $15,000 covering a residency abroad including airfares.

Winner of the 2006 Development Award
Maryrose CROOK
Song of the Grey Ghost
Oil on canvas
1500 x 1370 mm

Glaister Ennor Award

Peter Madden is the winner of the Glaister Ennor AWard with his work "Step Lightly". This award is a one off cash prize of $3,000.

Winner of the 2006 Glaister Ennor Award
Peter MADDEN
Step Lightly
Mixed (papers & wood)
800 x 420 mm

Runners Up

There are also two Runners Up Awards. Andrew McLeod for his work "Rainbow Apple Tree" and Heather Straka for her work "Pacific Rose" both receive $1500 cash.

Winner of the 2006 Runner Up Award
Andrew MCLEOD
Rainbow Apple Tree
1350 x 1700mm

Winner of the 2006 Runner Up Award
Heather STRAKA
Pacific Rose
Oil on board
1380 x 600mm

Jury Prize

This year the Jury chose Hamish Palmer's "Pull up to my bumper baby" for special mention.

Winner of the 2006 Jury Prize
Hamish PALMER
Pull up to my bumper baby
Acrylic on canvas
600 x 500mm

People's Choice Award

This year the People's Choice Award went to Martin Ball for his work 'Look'. Martin receives $500 cash.

Winner of the 2006 People's Choice Award
Martin BALL
Look
Oil on canvas
2100 x 1500mm