LOCUST JONES Finalist in the Sulman Prize 2023

April 27, 2024

Locust Jones has been selected as a finalist in the 2023 Sulman Prize by the Art Gallery of New South Wales! The Prize is one of Australia’s longest running art prizes – first awarded in 1936 – and is given to the best subject painting, genre painting, or mural project by an Australian artist. 45 finalists were chosen from 673 entires.

The artist says: “In 2023, after returning from a visit to Aotearoa New Zealand, during which I intentionally refrained from watching any news, I began creating this artwork. News media often serves as a starting point for my creative process, but I entered the studio with a clear mind, unencumbered by external influences. Drawing inspiration from my personal journal, I selected the words ‘perilous’, ‘peril’ and ‘pearl’ to get started. These words serve as markers within the artwork, with ‘perilous’ and ‘peril’ relating to the state of our world and the feeling of being overwhelmed, while ‘pearl’ represents everyday occurrences that help navigate this. The artwork could be interpreted as a map, charting fragile perilous states and glorious pearl-like moments.”

The Sulman Prize exhibition will run from 6.05. – 3.09.23 at the Art Gallery of NSW, alongside the Archibald and Wynne Prizes.

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Artwork caption: Locust Jones, ‘beyond the headlines’, 2023, ink on paper, 126.5 x 126cm