COFA included in the 57th Blake Prize | The College of Fine Arts
Staff Highlights
COFA included in the 57th Blake Prize
Article released: Monday, 11 August, 2008
COFA staff, students and graduates have been selected as finalists in this years Blake Prize. COFA
lecturer, artist and founding director of EIRA, Allan Giddy, has been chosen, as well as COFA
lecturer, graduate and artist Susanna Strati with her work Mourning Rosary. COFA honours student, Alex Varvaressos,
has been included with his kinetic work anapnoi (breathing), as well as COFA PhD candidate
Francesca Mataraga with her work
Spiritual Tourist – Japan (Travelling Box Project).
COFA graduate, Adam Cullen, is also included as a finalist in this years Blake Prize. His
chosen work, Corpus Christi (Women Only Bleed), an acrylic and enamel
painting on canvas, has caused some controversy resulting in the resignation of Blake Prize judge
and art historian Christopher Allen. Cullen's depiction of the crucifixion saw the judges divided
over its inclusion, with Dr Allen being opposed to the acceptance of the work in The Blake Prize
shortlist (and exhibition) but was over-ruled by the other two judges.
Chairman of The Blake Prize Rod Pattenden said, "We respect Dr Allen's strength of feeling about Adam Cullen's
work, which is based in a deep appreciation of beauty in art. The Blake Prize however, embraces
diversity in its entries and it is important to us that we remain open to the many styles through
which artists engage with the subject area. The other two judges believe that the work submitted
for The Blake Prize shows an engagement with the history and complex symbolism of the crucifixion
and on the basis of their assessment we will include the work amongst the finalists."
The Blake Prize for Religious Art was established in 1951 and is the oldest prize in
Australia dedicated to spirituality, religion and cultural diversity. It is a $20,000 annual
non-acquisitive prize.
The 57th Blake Prize is awarded by the Blake Society Ltd in partnership with the National Art
School. The Prize is named after the artist and writer William Blake.
WHAT: Finalist Exhibition, and Announcement of the Winner
WHEN: Thursday 4 September to Saturday 4 October 2008
WHERE: National Arts School Gallery