1st place in The Mazda Emerging Artist Award and a cash prize of $10,000.
'It Remains, Alexander Bartleet'
Judged by John Daly-Peoples, art critic and columnist of the National Business Review.
The Auckland resident was chosen as the Mazda Emerging Artist of the year over 83 other Fine Art students from throughout New Zealand. The talented 21 year old is also a finalist in the prestigious Wallace Art Awards.
His winning piece, entitled ‘It Remains’ was described by judge John Daly-Peoples as “something between a painting, sculpture and installation.” Alexander created it by collecting various objects (look closely and you’ll see screws, buckles and bottle tops) and exploring surfaces by creating layers and layers of objects and paint.
“This work - something between a painting, sculpture and installation - has its historical roots in the work of the early cubists and experimental artists who took objects from their immediate enjoinment and included both as painted and actual objects in their works.
It has more recent connections to the work of the British sculptor Rachel Whiteread and the Boyle Family who make casts of the real world whether it be a roadway or a building.
The assemblage of objects is a representation of the cluttered table in the workroom or it could be the site of a forensic examination or even a view of a post apocalyptic landscape. Whatever the scene is, it is one which conjures up memories of the past, covered with the patina of history.”
This painting was auctioned at the Mazda Foundation Black Tie Dinner on Thursday 30 August and sold for $2500.
