Artist Peter Wegner was announced as the winner at the exhibition opening, with his portrait of poet Graham Doyle entitled 'Man Resting 2011'.
Peter Wegner wins 2011 Nillumbik Prize
Exhibition judge Eleanor Hart said this about the winning work "A reflective painting dealing with form and pathos. There is a sense of volume in the subject and an empathy of humanity. Given our "political times" a reference to the human condition is essential. The painting is of an emblematic quality and references technique and form."
Peter Wegner has been painting Graham Doyle for 25 years. They've been meeting every two weeks and Wegner describes his relationship with Doyle as being "about friendship and painting... it's symbiotic... Graham is, in a way, my muse."
Peter's previous award wins include The Melbourne Savage Club Invitation Drawing Prize (2009), Moya Dyring Studio Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris (Art Gallery of NSW, 2007) and the $100,000 Doug Moran prize, NSW (2006).
Judge Eleanor Hart also awarded two Highly Commended awards to Penelope Aitken, for her work 'On Craft and Cultivation' and to Sandro Donati for his 'Momento Mori / Mourning Jewellery'.
The exhibition runs until 31 July. Entry to the exhibition is free.
Montsalvat is open 9am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Visitors to Montsalvat are welcome to submit votes for their favourite work in the People's Choice Award. The winning artist will receive $500 and the winning voter will be given a $100 lunch voucher for Montsalvat's restaurant 'The Meeting Pool'.
About the Nillumbik Prize
The Nillumbik Prize is an annual $5,000 Art Award. This award celebrates the diversity of art in Nillumbik and is held in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council. Over 230 two dimensional and sculptural works were entered in this year's competition and works by 40 local artists have been selected for hanging in the exhibition.
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