Dobell Drawing Prize #22

The Dobell Drawing Prize is an unparalleled celebration of drawing technique and innovation. Presented by the National Art School in partnership with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, the biennial prize explores the enduring importance of drawing within contemporary art practice. The 2021 exhibition showcased work by 64 finalists from around the country, demonstrating the vitality and scope of current Australian drawing.

WINNER

Euan Macleod, Borderlands – Between NSW and QLD, 2020, pastel on paper, 156 x 120 cm

WINNER, PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Joanna Gambotto, Hill End Interior 1 (Denningtons Cottage: Kim and Lino’s), 2020, charcoal and pastel on paper, 115 x 330 cm

FINALISTS

Margaret Ambridge, Suzanne Archer, Maree Azzopardi, Belinda Birchall, Stephen Bird, Tom Blake, John Bokor, GW Bot, Matt Bromhead, Anthony Cahill, Mitch Cairns, Tom Carment, Chris Casali, Susanna Castleden, Joshua Charadia, Maryanne Coutts, Adrian De Giorgio, Damian Dillon, Amy Dynan, Yvonne East, Stephanie Eather, David Fairbairn, Jackson Farley, Philip Faulks, Mandy Francis, Todd Fuller, Joanna Gambotto, Minka Gillian, Jane Grealy, Amanda Penrose Hart, Nicci Haynes, Kendal Heyes, Alun Rhys Jones, Locust Jones, Jumaadi, Jennifer Keeler-Milne, Iluwanti Ken, Martin King, Debbie Locke, Euan Macleod, Brian Martin, Julian Martin, Noel McKenna, Peta Minnici, Reg Mombassa, Nick Morris, Anna Mould, Al Munro, Anh Nguyen, Catherine O’Donnell, Travis Paterson, Maria Petrova, Anna Louise Richardson, Peter Sharp, Emma Theyers, Noel Thurgate, Claire Tozer, Shonah Trescott, Leonardo Uribe, Murat Urlali, Craig Waddell, Fiona White, Paul White, Tianli Zu

JUDGE’S STATEMENT

In the initial stage of judging, I was surprised by the variety of materials artists use to make drawings – from ceramics, stitching and painting to digital technology. In judging the finalists, we selected some of these works because of their drawing merits. The initial round was judged digitally, so when I saw the finalists hung it was a pleasure and a surprise. My final decision came down to a fundamental drawing practice, with my top three finalists being Amanda Penrose Heart, Martin King and Euan Macleod. Euan’s work is fast and immediate drawing, describing a landscape in a blur of activity. There is an accurate freshness I am drawn to, making Euan the winner of this year’s Dobell Drawing Prize.

– Lucy Culliton

Image: Euan Macleod with his work, Borderlands – Between NSW and QLD 2020, pastel on paper, 156 x 120 cm. Photo: Peter Morgan