FINALIST - ADELAIDE PERRY DRAWING PRIZE PLC SYDNEY - 2023

January 24, 2024 Louisa Chircop

A fantastic start to 2024!... So honoured to be one of the 40 incredible finalists from across Australia in the Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize at PLC Sydney…Congratulations to all finalists!

This year's judge, Emeritus Professor Sasha Grishin AM, FAHA, art historian, art critic and curator, selected a shortlist of 40 works. The Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing is a $25,000 acquisitive art award among the most significant of its kind in the country. Named in honour of respected painter, printmaker and draughtswoman, Miss Adelaide Elizabeth Perry (1891-1973) who taught Visual Arts at PLC Sydney from 1930 to 1962, the Prize attracts submissions from around the country, and this year was no different.

From over 400 entries, Emeritus Professor Sasha Grishin, art historian, art critic and curator, has selected this year's Perry Prize shortlist. Just prior to the opening of the Exhibition of Finalists, Sasha Grishin will return to the Gallery to select the overall winner.

Sasha Grishin is the author of over 30 books about art, including Australian Art: A History, and wrote for The Canberra Times as art critic for fortv-five years. He has delivered guest lectures at universities, art galleries and museums throughout Australia, Asia, North America and Europe including Harvard University, the Hermitage Museum, Being Central Academy and London University. PLC Sydney has been honoured to have had his participation in this capacity.

Sasha Grishin is the author of over 30 books about art, including Australian Art: A History, and wrote for The Canberra Times as art critic for forty-five years. He has delivered guest lectures at universities, art galleries and museums throughout Australia, Asia, North America and Europe including Harvard University, the Hermitage Museum, Beijing Central Academy and London University. PLC Sydney has been honoured to have had his participation in this capacity.

The 2024 finalists are

Kim Anderson, Andrew Antoniou, Suzanne Archer, Deborah Beck, John Bokor, Julie Bradley, Kate Briscoe, Louisa Chircop, Matthew Clarke, Jo Darvall, Dana Dion, Jacqui Driver, Yvonne East, David Fairbairn, Kaye Green, Jenny Herbert-Smith, Todd Hunter, Locust Jones, Barbie Kjar, Yvonne Langshaw, Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Marco Luccio, Paula Martin, Annabel Mason, Kerry McInnis, Noel McKenna, Tony Mighell, Alexandra Mills, Robbi Neal, Geoffrey Odgers, Catherine O'Donnell, Vicki Parish, Amanda Penrose Hart, Melinda Schawel, Jeannette Siebols, Sally Simpson, Wendy Teakel, Claire Tozer, Anna Warren and Steve Woodbury.

#perrydrawingprize #plc #drawing #nationalartprize #finalists #art #contemporarydrawing #adelaideperrydrawingprize2024 #PLCSydney

'KALOSKAGATHOS' - CURATED GROUP EXHIBITION - PRESENTED BY PALMER PROJECTS POST SPACE EXETER - 2023

January 19, 2024 Louisa Chircop

I’m pleased to announced that my work will be featured amongst a fantastic lineup of female Australian contemporary artists in the upcoming group exhibition 'KALOSKAGATHOS' curated by Diana Palmer at Post Space Exeter, and I must say, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with her.

Post Space, Exeter presents ‘Kaloskagathos’, an exhibition bringing together works by contemporary Australian artists who explore, embrace or challenge the classical artistic tradition. Drawing inspiration from renowned works of literature, history, mythology and cultural traditions to explore the themes of feminism, motherhood, domesticity and the goddess, these artists works, in varying ways, embody the power and majesty of female sexuality whilst subverting the classical idea that promoted the supremacy of the male form.

Featuring Jedda-Daisy Cullen, Louisa Chircop, Belynda Henry, Solomon Kammer, Sophy Reynolds, Mirra Whale and Hayley West and spanning different materials and formats - painting, sculpture, installation, photography and drawing - these artists come together looking at the relics of the enduring preoccupation of greek art with the human form as well as contemporary art’s ongoing relationship with the classical past.

The term ‘Kaloskagathos’, combines two adjectives, with kalos designating outward, and agathos — inward perfection. It is an abstract concept, unreal in its varied ideals and yet a word that correlates to a system of values that represents the development of any human society, a social, ethical and aesthetic assesment criteria. In the Symposium, Plato explicitly warns against becoming fixated on the beauty of the body. Instead, he argues that the energy released by the sight of the gorgeous figure needs to be channeled to a desire for a deeper beauty – that of the soul, of the good, of the divine.

Through a series of pairings and juxtapositions, alternatively dramatic and understated, the exhibition ‘Kaloskagathos’, aims to provoke conversations between the classical traditions of femininity, beauty and power; as history provides us a record, and from it one basic, inescapable, and ultimately unconscionable truth stands out: the ideals women are asked to embody, regardless of culture or continent, have been hammered out almost exclusively by men.

essay excerpt

Diana Palmer, 2024

Please join us on us Saturday 10 February 2024 2-5pm at Post Space Exeter for the opening of KALOSKAGATHOS a group show including

View exhibition catalogue and essay here

Please contact (link) Diana Palmer Exhibition and Acquisition Consultant for artwork for enquiries

Please note Solomon Kammer's inclusion in this exhibition is courtesy of her incredible representative gallery Yavuz Gallery, Surry Hills @yavuzgallery @maxhomaei

All celebratory drinks courtesy of @merrigangs_ and @stmaurwines

#artconsultant #artconsultancv #dianapalmer #palmerproiects #postspace #exeter #southernhighlands #groupexhibition #femaleartists #women #kaloskagathos #contemporaryart #painting #ceramics #mixedmedia #australianartists

FINALIST - HAZELHURST ART ON PAPER AWARD -2023

September 13, 2023 Louisa Chircop

So stoked to be a finalist this year amongst this stellar line up of Australian talent in one of Australia’s most significant national awards for artists working on paper!

Join us this Friday 15th Sept at 6pm for the official opening at Hazelhurst Arts Centre.

Now in its twelfth year, The biennial Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award is a significant national exhibition that aims to elevate the status of work on paper while supporting and promoting artists working with this medium.

With awards totalling $26,000 the biennial Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award showcases outstanding art created with, on or about paper. Awards include the $15,000 major award, the $5,000 Young and Early Career Artist Award, the $5,000 Friends of Hazelhurst Local Artist Award, and the $1,000 People's Choice Award. Hazelhurst's installation crew also select an artist for the Residency Award: a 4-week studio residency. The exhibition will present a diverse range of works including drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture, paper cuts and video.

This year Hazelhurst received entries from 890 artists from across Australia. Congratulations to the 82 finalists selected for the Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award 2023. Finalists will be exhibited in the Main Gallery at Hazelhurst Arts Centre from 16 September to 12 November 2023.

This year’s judge and guest speaker is esteemed Australian artist Deborah Kelly.

Awards

Awards include the $15,000 major award, the $5,000 Young and Early Career Artist Award, the $5,000 Friends of Hazelhurst Local Artist Award, and the $1,000 People’s Choice Award. Hazelhurst’s installation crew also select an artist for the Residency Award: a 4-week studio residency in the historic Hazelhurst Cottage.

HAZELHURST ART ON PAPER AWARD 2023 FINALISTS

‘Left leg right’, mixed media and photomontage on hand painted archival pigment print on cotton rag, 167cm x 113cm, 2023 by Louisa Chircop

PUBLISHED - 170+ page Accompanying Digital Catalogue for 'In the arms of unconsciousness - Women, feminism and the surreal'

September 3, 2023 Louisa Chircop

Our 170+ page digital catalogue for our exhibition ‘In the arms of unconsciousness - Women, Feminism and the Surreal’ curated by Carrie Kibbler at Hazelhurst Arts Centre is now live on Hazelhurst Art Centre’s website! 💗 So special to have this accompanying text featuring twenty two of Australia’s significant female artists with important essays written by an incredible all female crew…Courtney Kidd, Chloe Wolifson and Kathleen Linn. With heartfelt thanks for your wonderful essays 🙏

It looks fantastic! Huge thanks to assistant curator Naomi Stewart who designed the whole catalogue and Carrie Kibbler for all her dedication and hard work.

Lovely to be mentioned in Carrie’s opening introduction with my artwork featured on the right. So thrilled!

Enjoy!

See link: https://issuu.com/hazelhurstregionalgallery/docs/in_the_arms_of_unconsciousness_digital_catalogue_i?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

The exhibition has been extended due to popular demand and continues…

Currently showing @hazelhurstartscentre as part of ‘In the arms of unconsciousness - Women, feminism and the surreal’ curated by Carrie Kibbler. A landmark first cross-generational exhibition that brings together 22 leading and significant female Australian artists together to examine feminism and the surreal until 10th September.

📸 @silversalt_photography

#digitalcatalogue #catalogue #artswriter #artessays #chloewolifson #courtneykidd #kathleenlinn #feminism #australianart #womenartists #surrealism #surreal #art #inthearmsofunconsciousness #artcollector #contemporaryart #womeninart #women #hazelhurstartscentre #hazelhurstgallery #contemporaryart #contemporaryartist #malteseaustralianartist #landmarkexhibition #arttext #artbook #issuu

ACB SELECTS - NATIONAL EMERGING ARTIST PRIZE (NEAP 2021 INAUGURAL)

February 17, 2022 Louisa Chircop

So thrilled to be selected by the one and only Amber Creswell Bell who was one of the judges from NEAP National Emerging Art Prize 2021 as one in a handful of artists from a whopping 1498 entries for the first ever annual ‘ACB Selects’ exhibition on behalf of Michael Reid Northern Beaches Gallery. Thank you Amber for showcasing my ceramic work amongst your amazing selection. I’m so honoured.

This online exhibition will go LIVE on Thursday 17th February on the National Emerging Art Prize website and will be made up of Amber Creswell Bell’s own personal painting and ceramic selections from the submissions to the 2021 National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP). All works will feature for sale.

FINALIST - SPLASH McCLELLAND CONTEMPORARY WATERCOLOUR AWARD 2021 - McCLELLAND SCULPTURE PARK AND GALLERY

June 30, 2021 Louisa Chircop

So lovely to get this news during Sydney’s Covid lockdown! and so proud to be selected as a finalist in the acquisitive Splash McClelland Contemporary Watercolour Award with my work ‘A Garden of Earthly Delights-Happiness is like Glass it soon breaks’ 2017

Held at McClelland every three years, the Splash: McClelland Contemporary Watercolour Award was established to showcase Australian artists who work in the medium of watercolour. It is an acquisitive award with funds from the Fornari Bequest, by the Will of the late Lena May Fornari, and is a legacy of her support for the arts in Victoria. Lena May was an ardent collector of works by the watercolourist Herbert Rose, which she also left to McClelland, and the first acquisitions through this Bequest were significant watercolours. Continuing this tradition, Splash focuses on contemporary watercolour practice.

In 2021 this acquisitive award will be granted to three outstanding original artworks in the medium of watercolour, which will all become part of the McClelland collection. Offering three awards will allow us to more broadly support artists during this challenging time. The awards aim to promote artistic excellence, while expanding McClelland’s significant collection for the benefit of the local community as well as wider Australian and international audiences.

Three acquisitive awards of $10,000 for original works in watercolour.

The prize will be judged by Kirsty Grant, Freelance Curator and Writer; Melissa Keys, Curator,
Buxton Contemporary; and Sim Luttin, Curator and Gallery Manager, Arts Project Australia.

Prize winners will be announced at the exhibition opening event.

FINALIST - 2020 PADDINGTON ART PRIZE

October 7, 2020 Louisa Chircop

What an honour to be selected as a finalist in this year’s Paddington Art Prize with my work ‘In Love and War -Archibald Fountain Hyde Park’ amongst such an amazing line up of Australian artists. The exhibition of national finalists will be exhibited at Defiance Gallery Paddington Sydney and the winners will be announced on Thursday 29th October 2020. Congratulations to all the finalists! and a huge thank you to the highIy esteemed panel of judges Ross Laurie, Rhonda Davis and Jeanette Siebols for selecting my work. I cannot wait to see their selection.

See selected finalists here

………………

The Paddington Art Prize is a $30,000 National acquisitive prize, awarded annually for a painting inspired by the Australian landscape. Established in 2004 by Arts Patron, Marlene Antico OAM, this National prize takes its place among the country’s most lucrative and highly coveted painting prizes.

The prize encourages the interpretation of the landscape as a significant contemporary genre, its long tradition in Australian painting as a key contributor to our national ethos, and is a positive initiative in private patronage of the arts in Australia.

Marlene Antico OAM, created the Prize in order to assist with the monetary difficulties that often impede artists from showcasing their works. As an art student, gallery owner and volunteer guide at the AGNSW for over 10 years, she has underscored her commitment to supporting contemporary Australian artists, aware, of the financial concerns that prevent many artists from devoting themselves entirely to their art practice.

In 2017, Chris Antico, Marlene’s son joined as Principal Co-sponsor of the prize. The Paddington Art Prize appreciates the ongoing generosity of the following key sponsors and supporters: Marlene Antico OAM, Chris Antico, UNSW Art & Design, The Sydney Art Store, Sofala Cottage, Charvin Oils, Lucio’s Italian Restaurant, Defiance Gallery, Nock Art Foundation, Tracey Deep Floral Sculptures, Valiant Hire and Woollahra Municipal Council.

…………………

A $30,000 Annual National Acquisitive Prize for a painting inspired by
the Australian Landscape

'COME SHOWER WITH ME' - SOLO EXHIBITION OPENING 22nd FEB 2020 @shac_robertson

January 27, 2020 Louisa Chircop

Pen in the Date!…Please join me at the opening of my solo exhibition 'Come Shower with Me' at the SHAC (Southern Highlands Artisans Collective) in Robertson in the wonderful community of the Southern Highlands - which we all know has recently been through a terrible period of the recent bushfires. It's a great opportunity to visit the area, and support the local businesses doing it tough (from buying a coffee to booking a place to stay for the weekend) like at the Robertson Hotel who are proud sponsors of The SHAC. Alternatively join me at Robertson Pub for a drink and an early dinner after the show.

Exhibition to be officially opened by award-winning Sydney Artist Halinka Orszulok Saturday 22nd February 2020 at 2pm at The SHAC (NEXT TO THE BIG POTATO) Exhibition continues and closes Monday March 6th 2020 at 4pm

PLEASE NOTE: the Official opening with drinks and opening address by award winning artist Halinka Orszulok will be Sat 22nd Feb 2020, However the exhibition will be open to the public from Friday 21st Feb 2020 if you happen to be already in the area.

The event is free but please RSVP here to give us an idea with numbers.

Drinks and nibbles provided.

If you can't make the opening you are welcome to drop in Gallery hours are Friday-Monday 10am-4pm

All works for sale. Works will also be available for purchase in an online catalogue coming soon.

enquiries@theshac.com.au

Enquiries: Patsy Peacock (President)
patsy@theshac.com.au
0614 0299 8644

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

‘Come shower with me’ invites viewers into the intimate world of Sydney based artist Louisa Chircop. As the title of her exhibition suggests, Chircop not only utilises the idea of the history of women’s activity in the bathroom but also uses the concept of showering to parallel her creative process in an ode to free association and surrealism, similarly the way ideas come to mind in the shower.

Through Chircop’s experience and interest in art history and psychological phenomenons, she explores the human condition creating images that are illicit in nature, rendered with complex meaning and hints of the shadow self. Chance encounters are played out repositioning women in art history whilst simultaneously positioning herself in relation to history, creating a metaphorical allegory about our present time.

Chircop is comfortable as chameleon, every image is a reconstruct of thought drawn from a stream of subconscious detritus into the reservoir of her conscious awakening. She creates with the inquisitive mind of an octopus foraging through its shady garden on the ocean floor. Every work, a token re-cleansing of the body, mind and spirit is an attempt to navigate existential pathways through the world resurrecting the female image from the grave of western art.

SEMI FINALIST - 2019 DOUG MORAN NATIONAL PORTRAIT PRIZE

September 13, 2019 Louisa Chircop

I’m over the moon and so grateful to make it to the semi finalists for the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize 2019. What an honour to be selected amongst this fine bunch of Australian talent. The judges of the 2019 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize are artist and 2013 DMNPP winner Nigel Milsom, Director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne, Kelly Gellatly, and Peter Moran, Managing Director of the Moran Health Care Group. Peter’s parents Greta and Doug Moran established the Moran Arts Foundation in 1988. (See Judges comments below).

Judge Nigel Misom: “If portraiture is one of the means used to communicate our individuality, connection to each other, and the world around us, look no further than the 2019 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize Semi-Finalists. The variety and scope of the selected portraits are vast, yet they all seem to share a commonality, that is, the painter and subject have united to share in the ‘magic’ of creativity.”

Judge Kelly Gellatly: “While the sheer volume of entries to this year’s Doug Moran Portrait Prize was initially overwhelming, it was a privilege to experience such a breadth of contemporary portraiture and to be able to get a glimpse into how some of Australia’s most talented artists are currently exploring, and pushing, the genre. For the judges, the shortlisted artists collectively demonstrate the way in which portraiture can and should be much more than the sheer skill of capturing of a likeness. The power of portraiture instead manifests from the almost intangible coming together of artist and subject; a tension or ‘rub’ that encourages the viewer to remain with a work and to return to it time and again, well beyond the initial moment of recognising the subject.”

The Doug Moran National Portrait Prize…

Founded by Doug & Greta Moran and family in 1988, the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize (DMNPP) is an annual Australian portrait painting prize supporting Australian artists. The prize has encouraged both excellence and creativity in contemporary Australian portraiture by asking artists to interpret the look and personality of a chosen sitter, either unknown or well known. With a first prize of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) it is Australia’s richest art prize.

Finalists announced - 16 Oct

Screen Shot 2019-09-14 at 12.24.08 am copy.jpg

COMING UP - INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 'CONNEXIONS SILENCIEUSES' EYGALIÈRES, FRANCE

April 13, 2019 Louisa Chircop

I’m very excited to be heading back to Eygalières in Provence France this month. After having finished a residency that I won with NG Art Creative Residency Program last November championed by the wonderful Nicky Ginsberg. I’m finally making the pilgrimage back to where it all started for the opening and vernissage of ‘Connexions Silencieuses’ an International Group Exhibition of artists from around the globe. I’m very proud to be showing amongst an amazing cohort of International talent including other wonderful fellow Australian artists and will be giving an artist talk as part of their public programs on the 5th of May 4-5pm at the 800 year old Elise Saint Laurent where the exhibition will be staged. If you are in France or heading to Provence you are very welcome to attend the opening and talks. Bisous!

FINALIST - INAUGURAL BAM NATIONAL ART PRIZE 2018

October 24, 2018 Louisa Chircop

It’s wonderful to be selected as a finalist for the BAM (Byron Arts Magazine) NATIONAL ART PRIZE. Congratulations and best wishes to all the finalists selected.

Offering both $5000 prize money and a unique visibility opportunity, the new BAM Art Prize offers a significant opportunity. The winner will be featured on the cover of BAM. First Prize and Highly Commended Award winners will be featured in the summer 2018 issue of BAM. Open to all artists nationwide, this new, non-acquisitive prize is for works of art in any medium.The inaugural prize will be presented on November 9, 2018. A finalists exhibition will be held at Byron Bay's Thomgallery in November. Byron Bay’s leading art gallery, Thomgallery features contemporary art and sculptures from renowned local and international artists and sculptors. All Finalists will be featured digitally.

Screen Shot 2019-09-14 at 11.06.56 pm copy.jpg

FINALIST - OPEN SECTION - FISHER'S GHOST ART AWARD 2018 CAC

October 19, 2018 Louisa Chircop

One of the highlights of my art calendar year and I’m stoked to be a finalist amongst such a fine bunch of artists across all categories in this year’s Fisher’s Ghost Art Prize with my painting titled ‘#Sorrow’. Looking forward to a fantastic opening night at Campbelltown Arts Centre, they certainly know how to really turn up the party!

Official Opening Night and Award Announcement Friday 2 November

Exhibition open to the public Saturday 3 November – Thursday 13 December

All works will be available for purchase

Sneak peek Installation at Campbelltown Arts Centre

ARCHIBALD SITTING 2018 - JUZ KITSON

April 18, 2018 Louisa Chircop

It's that time of year again where I like to challenge myself by taking on a portrait. A portrait for me is more than a mere representation of the sitter's appearance, expression or simple gestures of their biography. A portrait articulates the psyche between the sitter and the artist, presenting an opportunity to reveal the inner workings of the subject's mind through the artist's own intimate thoughts on life and doubt through an exploration of their existential being. Heartfelt thanks goes to Juz Kitson one of Australia's best contemporary artists for allowing me delve into her as a subject and for sitting for me for this painting titled 'Juz Kitson Imitating Venus'. I've been so privileged to be able to paint her.

'Juz Kitson Imitating Venus' oil on canvas, 220cm x 167cm, 2018

DOUBLE FINALIST - FISHER'S GHOST ART AWARD CAC 2017

October 3, 2017 Louisa Chircop

Doubly pleased to be a finalist in two categories at Fisher's Ghost Art Award at Campbelltown Arts Centre this year. My Painting 'Existential Void' is a finalist in the Open section whilst my painting 'I fucked with Matta and Van Gogh' is a finalist in the Contemporary section. Looking very forward to the opening on the 3rd November as this one always draws a big crowd!

'Existential Void', Oil on Canvas, 250cm x 166.5cm

29 October -15 Dec 2016

October 13, 2016 Louisa Chircop

Very excited to be a finalist in the Open section in Fisher's Ghost Art Prize at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Exhibition: 29 October – 15 December.

Opening Night and Award Announcement: 4 November

ATTENDING THE OPENING NIGHT AND AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

The Opening Night and Award Announcement will be held on Friday 4 November, from 6pm. This is a ticketed event. Children under 16 year a free, when accompanied by a paying adult. Please see Campbelltown Arts Centre website for details.

The Golden Thread, Oil on Canvas, 213cm x 167cmThe Fisher’s Ghost Art Award has been running for over 50 years and awards $30,000 in prize money. The Fishers Ghost Art Award coincides with Campbelltown Annual Festival of Fishers Ghost, held over 10 … — The Golden Thread, Oil on Canvas, 213cm x 167cm
The Fisher’s Ghost Art Award has been running for over 50 years and awards $30,000 in prize money. The Fishers Ghost Art Award coincides with Campbelltown Annual Festival of Fishers Ghost, held over 10 days the Festival dates back to 1956 and celebrates Australia’s most famous ghost – Frederick Fisher.
The winning entry in the Award’s Open section is acquisitive to the C-A-C permanent collection and is awarded $20,000. In the past it has been awarded to some of Australia’s most respected Contemporary artists including Elisabeth Cummings, Khaled Sabsabi, Justene Williams, David Bromley, Marion Borgelt, Raquel Ormella and Philip Wolfhagen.

January 2016

January 1, 2016 Louisa Chircop

If you happen to be in Singapore head along to Gajah Gallery Booth A8 at Art Stage Singapore. I’m very proud to be showcased along with some great artists and an amazing Gallery. Thanks Jasdeep.

November 2015

November 1, 2015 Louisa Chircop

My exhibition “Interior Monologue – A Carousel” opens this Monday 9th November 6-8pm at the Moran Gallery Sylvania. The exhibition is a joint initiative between Moran Health Care Group and Hazelhurst Gallery and Regional Arts Centre, curated by Carrie Kibbler.

16 June 2015 - Artist Profile Magazine Feature

June 16, 2015 Louisa Chircop

Had such an amazing experience being interviewed by Lucy Stranger for Artist profile Magazine. My feature article appears in Issue 31, 2015. Thank you so much Lucy!