The people have spoken at Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2016 People’s Choice

An insightful artwork bridging the storytelling divide between Aboriginal and mainstream Australia has won the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2016 People’s Choice Award.

Arts Portfolio Cr Rick Baberowski said Radiance by Jandamarra Cadd received the most public votes to take out the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2016 People’s Choice Award.

“When you walked into Caloundra Regional Gallery you were instantly drawn to the striking 120cm x 100cm traditional style artwork which honours Jandamarra’s ancestors and connection to the land,” Cr Baberowski said.

“Radiance was undeniably the people’s choice at this year’s awards, earning Jandamarra a cash prize of $2500, sponsored by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.”

Cr Baberowski said the Sunshine Coast Art Prize had become one of the annual signature art events for the region.

“Our region’s outstanding level of creative talent is impressive and it is extremely pleasing to see this popular award presented to a local artist,” he said.

“The former Archibald Prize finalist can now add winner of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2016 People’s Choice Award to his impressive list of achievements.”

After four months of work, Jandamarra Cadd said he had chosen to apply the traditional technique to his Radiance artwork to convey the connection his culture has to the land and its elements.

“Just as the vibrant colours of this ancient land can be breathtakingly beautiful, equally is the innocent radiance of its youth,” he said.

“The cools of the waterholes and river systems, waterfalls and lakes, in complete balance with the warm sun, red dirt, mountains and rocks.

“This is our wholeness, our equilibrium, our balance. This is our Radiance.”

For more details about the Sunshine Coast Art Prize visit council’s gallery website.