A bold and emotional portrait capturing the strength of a non-verbal First Nations artist has taken out the top prize at the City of Gosnells Community Art Exhibition and Awards.
Ariel Katzir’s mixed-media piece ‘I do see you’ was named the Overall Acquisitive winner for 2024, earning her $5,000 and a place in the City’s art collection.
The artwork features local artist Darryl Dempster, who lives with disability and communicates through his art. Katzir said it was a meaningful experience to paint someone who inspires her.
“It’s really cool to paint someone who makes you feel good and inspires you,” she said.
Mayor Terresa Lynes praised Katzir’s work and the quality of the exhibition.
“Selecting a single work from close to 200 artworks is no easy task, however, this piece is a very worthy winner,” she said. “This exhibition showcases the depth and breadth of the art community in the City of Gosnells and beyond.”
Art Advisor Ainslie Gatt said Katzir’s use of colour and symbolism helped the portrait stand out.
“The expression of the central figure suggests a compelling interplay of vulnerability, strength and defiance,” she said.
Other category winners each received $500, with awards given across oil, acrylic, watercolour, digital media, mixed media, youth art, and local and Aboriginal artist categories.
Highly commended works included Christine King’s Window to Nature: Dragonfly in Leadlight, Jacquelyne Suherman’s Maiden of Darkness, and Michelle Travaglini’s Affection.
The exhibition is open until Sunday 25 May. Visitors can vote for their favourite artwork in the Maddington Central People’s Choice Award, which comes with a $500 prize.
The event is sponsored by Maddington Central.
