Kiwi ingenuity expressed through art
An artwork that portrays the history of New Zealand’s iconic ‘do it yourself’ attitude won this year’s No 8 Wire National Art Awards.
A sculpture that portrays the history of New Zealand’s iconic ‘do it yourself’ attitude won this year’s No 8 Wire National Art Awards.
Age Eight Gauge. Photo: Zoe Oosthuysen
Napier-based artist Ben Pearce won the major prize with his entry Stone Age Eight Gauge.
The artwork features organic-looking pieces of No 8 wire that represented the history of New Zealand and how it has changed over time through the use of materials.
This year’s judge Brett Graham said he chose Pearce’s work because it challenged the No 8 wire mentality by acknowledging the importance of change.
He says all 25 finalists explored their farming background in their work this year.
“They have entered this contest undaunted by the fact this is a national art award and in true spirit of Kiwi ingenuity, taken iconic agricultural materials and turned them into art.”
Auckland-based sculptor and jewellery designer Cherise Thomson took out second place with Korowai. The work was inspired by a korowai that was gifted to her mother and then passed down to her.
“No 8 wire was a material that my grandparents used on the farm, so this [art competition] allowed me the opportunity to connect to them.”
She said using No 8 wire was a challenge, but forced her to think in an innovative way and allowed her to be more playful.
Third place getter Jenta Griffin and president’s choice winner Becca Bolscher both said they were honoured to have been placed and are already onto their next project.
The No 8 Wire National Art Awards is held each as a part of Fieldays.
The first place winner received $7000, and second and third place winners received $1000 and $500 respectively.
The finalists’ works will be displayed at ArtsPost from June 3- 27.
