Winners of the 2019 TAFE NSW Art Prize sponsored by Derivan Matisse were revealed at the art exhibition’s opening at See Street Gallery on Friday 7 June.

For the first time, Derivan has partnered with TAFE NSW to offer this art prize, supporting the next generation of emerging artists. More than 121 submissions were received from across NSW, with 61 works selected for exhibition and five prizes awarded to talented TAFE NSW students.

Prizes were awarded in the categories of First Prize, Painting Prize, 3D Prize, Drawing Prize, and Works on Paper Prize. The 2019 Prize offered cash prizes totalling $1,000 and additional painting packs donated by Derivan Matisse valued at close to $3,000.

Acclaimed multi-disciplinary artists including Wendy Sharpe, Andrew Totman, Steven Patterson and representatives from TAFE NSW and Derivan judged this year’s entries. Sharpe said she found judging the Prize a great honour and was struck by the depth, boldness and emotion within the collection.

“The entries of this year’s prize remind me that the next generation are already thinking about the world we all must navigate, whilst using their artist voices to express their experience with great empathy and compassion,” she said.

Rona Sissons from TAFE NSW Hornsby and Meadowbank was awarded first prize for her work titled ‘The Gossips’. Ms Sissons created a ceramic sculpture of two stylised rabbits deep in conversation and walked away with $1,000 cash plus a Derivan paint pack.

The Painting Prize was awarded to TAFE NSW Meadowbank student Janna Laforest for her work titled ‘Kitchen Still Life #12’.

The 3D Prize went to TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga student Juanita McLaughlin for her work titled ‘Strength in Fragility’.

The Drawing Prize went to TAFE NSW Meadowbank student Svetlana Stepanek for her work titled ‘Bill’.

The Works on Paper Prize went to TAFE NSW Meadowbank student Yuri Shimmiyo for his work titled ‘Six’.

Since 1964, Derivan has been committed to providing the arts community with the world’s finest-quality artist acrylic colours and medium, proudly manufactured in Sydney. The TAFE NSW Art Prize offers TAFE NSW students a rare opportunity to exhibit their work in a public gallery. It generates a leading showcase of emerging talent. This year’s exhibition features works in a variety of media including painting, drawing and 3D.

The TAFE NSW Art Prize is on exhibition at the See Street Gallery till Friday 14 June.

TAFE NSW offers more than 1,200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many can be studied online, when and where it suits students, via TAFE Digital. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Laura Kelly, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 0411 777 676 or laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au