QCA graduates impress in the Paramor Art Prize

Gabriella Szablewska & Brent Wilson Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea 2014 Recycled cardboard, tarpaulin, foam, wire, wood Dimensions variable Photo: Mick Richards
Gabriella Szablewska & Brent Wilson Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea 2014 Recycled cardboard, tarpaulin, foam, wire, wood Dimensions variable Photo: Mick Richards

Queensland College of Art (QCA) graduates and collaborators, Gabriella Szablewska and Brent Wilson have been awarded the Highly Commended Prize at the inaugural ‘Paramor Prize: Art + Innovation’ 2015.

Their Highly Commended work, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, addresses the complex issue of “Irregular Maritime Arrivals” in Australia, and asks us to consider, or reconsider the question: “who is a boat person?”

The inaugural art award is an annual $20,000 prize with a curated selection of works exhibited at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in Sydney.

It was launched in memory of one of Australia’s most loved and celebrated female modern artists, Wendy Paramor, whose artistic practice was innovative and forward thinking, with 2015 marking the 40th anniversary of Paramor’s death in 1975 at the age of 37.

Gabriella, who is currently undertaking a doctorate at QCA, says both she and Brent work collaboratively as artist-activists to challenge and transform pervasive ideologies.

“We raise awareness of social issues and provoke action in response,” she says.

Previously, both artists have exhibited nationally and internationally and have been awarded Arts Queensland and Australia Council grants, with Brent also winning the Wilson HTM National Art Prize in 2009.

Later this year Brent and Gabriella will be completing a residency at Crane Arts, Philadelphia.

Find out more about the Paramor Prize.

Find out more about undertaking a creative arts doctorate at QCA, or learn more about our Fine Art program.