We are absolutely delighted to announce that Julia Ciccarone has been awarded the 2021 ANZ People’s Choice award for her incredible self-portrait The sea within.⁠
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The Art Gallery of New South Wales made the announcement this morning and artist Julia Ciccarone is honoured and so grateful that people have been able to engage with her work during a difficult year. ⁠
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In her artwork statement, Julia Ciccarone said “I painted this picture last year when Melbourne was in lockdown due to COVID19. The bushfires ravaged the state. Life was definitely intense and at times overwhelming and uncertain. We are all experiencing radical changes affecting both culture and nature. It is a time of great uncertainty. We share in a collective trauma. But the ocean – which features large in my life in my life and art – is my healing place.”⁠
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Although we have been unable to view the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales we hope that restrictions will ease in time to see the exhibition of finalists work at Gippsland Gallery in October.