The winners of the first ILT Murihiku Art Awards have been announced at a private opening and can be now seen at an exhibition displayed at He Waka Tuia.

The Supreme Winner is James Yau for Horse.

Christchurch-based curator and guest judge Jane Wallace said she chose this artist as the winner for his ability to convey something really pure and moving through very simple

gestures.

“There is such a fragile strength to this work and I felt in it a quest for something metaphysical, a belief in beauty as something transcendental and a serious road to follow.”

Southland born Wallace said it was an honour to be chosen as guest judge for the awards.

“It was really difficult to narrow the initial pool of 200 entries down to the 65 finalists displayed at He Waka Tuia. There were so many creative and varied entries to look through

again and again to be able to make this selection of finalists.

“I was particularly impressed with the range of media and materials used across the entries, the quality, particularly in the Rangatahi category, and the visibility of work that was really

located in the Murihiku region.”

Awards presented on the night:

Supreme Award ($8000): James Yau Horse

Second prize ($4000): Daegan Wells - Because of Where I Live

Third prize ($2000): Yasmin Dubrau - We Do The Things That Keep Us Poor

IPAG or SAS Membership Award ($2000):

Lisa Benson - These Lungs Will Dance Forever

Beattie McDowell Southland (in memory of Mick Hesselin) ($2000):

Caitlin Rose Donnelly - Home Paddock

Innovation Award ($1000):

Paora Wiremu - Meet Me in th Greenhaus Afta Skool

Rangatahi Award ($500):

Kasey Toomey - Sunflower Sunset

This is the first year of The ILT Murihiki Art Awards.

In previous years, the Invercargill Public Art Gallery held the Spring Exhibition, while the Southland Arts Society hosted the ILT Art Awards.

Invercargill Public Art Gallery and He Waka Tuia Manager Sarah Brown said the exhibitions were generally held around the same time so it just made sense to merge the two into a

new awards show.

The exhibition is on display at He Waka Tuia, 42 Kelvin St, until 17 November.

All works shown as up for sale.