WINNERS
ANNOUNCING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE
THREE DIAMOND AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
FOR THE 2023 BEST IN SHOW EVENT.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
(listed chronologically by show)
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LIANE BEDARD
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
GRAPES AND FRINGE
Watercolour
"GRAPES AND FRINGE enters and then exits the traditional, still life stage. It chooses instead to exist and develop where space is opened and handled in a divergent system, which demands a novel and exotic arrangement of objects. Gone is the standard presentation with the requisite, horizontal break between the counter and the problematic, empty background, where unrelated and awkward drapery might be found hanging against its will. With disregard for gravity, this counter tips upright toward the viewer to vanquish superfluous space and proudly show off its exquisite, floral design. This trick creates a flat backdrop against which the blue vase on the top right will certainly slide down to the bottom at any moment. Independent grapes supply organic and juicy matter for visual hydration and the diaphanous fabric enables its tassels to tickle the solid, inflexible vessels which are a little uneasy with such flirtatious conduct. Shadows show up and get what they want from the masterful, spatial settlement in this thrilling and magnificent painting." -- GALLERY RING
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LANCE BUKOVE
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
TAI SHAN #2
Watercolour, ink, coloured pencil
"TAI SHAN #2 is worth the climb. Heaven is out of breath too after beating the viewer to the top and winning the magnificent temple in the centre as the prize. A closer look at this tiered structure with narrow, tall arches however, reveals it is unsteady with unfastened, fragments separating and floating upward like steps to the sky. Its hollow, vague and incomplete form, its similarity to the surrounding landscape and its partial immersion in a misty halo indicate that rather than a concrete, operational facility it is instead only the suggestion of a temple and is a symbolic representation of the spiritual contact and elevation historically made during worship at the summit of this sacred mountain. Immense, rock formations in bright, unrealistic colours with mist cascading down them and over the persistent vegetation produce visual vitality and intensity to match the powerful experience of meeting eternity. Imagination is out of breath too after beating artistic skill to the top by a split second and winning the best sacrificial offerings as the prize. It is all recorded for the next 3000 years in a ceremonial, stone inscription in this awesome, staggering and sterling artwork." -- GALLERY RING
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SIHUA LIU
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
GENTLE SCARF
Graphite on paper
"GENTLE SCARF is an infrequent meeting of superlative skill and a breathtaking composition on the same piece of paper at the same time. When these two forces become associates and shake hands in agreement then exceptional and true art happens. The uncommon choice of a lengthy, landscape orientation for a portrait and the placement of the subject off-centre creates an imbalance which is visually stirring and dramatic. The dark foliage in dappled light actually competes for attention and is an equal participant in the mysterious and intriguing narrative which leaves the viewer longing to understand where this young woman is, who she is, what she is hiding from and what kind of game she is playing. The black and white complexion enhances the alluring, secretive spirit found in this irresistible and excellent artwork." -- GALLERY RING
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