Chris Tilley, The Barn (detail) 2008
Judges have commended the artworks in the 2008 IHC Telecom Art awards for their variety, quality and individualism.
The winners were announced at a function and auction at TheNewDowse in Lower Hutt on Wednesday 24 September. Chris Tilley, from Nelson, won first prize and $5000 for his painting "The Barn". Judges said the work was very expressive and beautifully painted. "It is like a freeze-frame. Something is about to happen."
Second place was Hamiltonian Hone Paekau for his work "Highout and Blackout". Judges said the work was 'a major piece" that showed "tremendous control in use of materials and colour. He has been aware of the natural patterns and grain of the wood and used it as part of the picture." Hone won $2000.
Two third places were awarded to Sasha Rae from Christchurch and Anne Pamment from Hamilton. Judges said Sasha's work, Two Figures, was "a great composition. The placement on the paper is terrific. It is simple but packs a punch."
Anne's painting, Tudor History, was described as "lovely and delicate. It has little hidden treasures in it. There is a nice bit of domesticity along with the Tudor history."
The IHC Telecom Art Awards are the major showcase of the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. They are open to all New Zealanders with an intellectual disability. This year 650 people entered.
The top 30 entries, selected from the regional competitions, will be exhibited at TheNewDowse until February 2009. The judges were David Elliot, illustrator and author, Gavin Bishop, illustrator and Claire Regnault, Concept Development Manager at TheNewDowse.
The IHC Telecom Art Awards are part of Telecom's Community Connection sponsorship programme which provides voluntary welfare and charitable organisations with support each year. Telecom have been proud sponsors of the Art Awards since their inception.