Art Sets.
Sulman Prize 2021: children’s labels
Print this setBy the Art Gallery of NSW
AGNSW prizes Clara Adolphs Spectators, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Describe the clothing on this group of people. Where do you think they are?
Clara Adolphs likes to make paintings based on old abandoned photographs. This painting shows a group of people who look like they are peering to get a better view of something that is happening just out of view. What could they be looking at? How do you think they feel?
Invent a story about what is going to happen next.
AGNSW prizes Ildiko Kovacs Aquine, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Imagine how Ildiko Kovacs moved her arms and hands when she made this artwork.
Ildiko likes to use foam rollers to create the lines in her paintings. Do you think the lines of each colour were done in one go, or did she have to put more paint on the roller part way through? Look at the parts where the lines cross over each other. What happens to the colours? Are the shapes solid or are they see-through? Do they remind you of anything?
Imagine you could step in amongst these lines. How would they feel? Solid? Squishy? Would you be able to move them?
AGNSW prizes Lucy Culliton Carina’s bogong moth jumper, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Do you have a favourite item of clothing you love to wear?
This cosy-looking jumper was knitted for Lucy Culliton by her aunt. Lucy liked the different colours of wool her aunt used to knit the jumper and she has painted all the stitches and patterns in great detail. Can you spot the bogong moth? Notice how the patterns from its markings make up the designs on different parts of the jumper.
Lucy painted herself wearing this jumper for her Archibald Prize portrait. Can you find the painting in this exhibition?
AGNSW prizes Paul Higgs Hurstville platform wall, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Have you ever stood waiting for a train and noticed the architecture of the station?
Paul Higgs created this artwork after spending time on Hurstville Station. He was interested in the wall that spread along the platform with its signs, nooks and crannies and graffiti. Look closely at the surface of this painting and the different textures and marks that Paul has used. What objects are stuck to the surface and mixed into the paint?
Describe the shapes, lines and textures. How many triangles can you spot?
AGNSW prizes Paul Selwood Construction zone, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Stand up close to this artwork and then move further away. Which viewpoint do you prefer?
These cut-out steel shapes by Paul Selwood create the illusion of three-dimensional objects even though they are flat on the wall. Look closely at the surface of the metal. Notice how the different textures and shades of colour add to the illusion of depth and space. Imagine these shapes as a sculpture. Would the blocks be heavy or light?
If this was a sculpture, where would you place it? Would you change its size?
AGNSW prizes Jude Rae On the beach (Malua Bay, NYE 2019), from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Notice the strong, orangey glow of this painting.
Jude Rae painted this scene from a photograph that was taken at Malua Bay, NSW, when the whole town headed to the beach to keep away from bushfires raging on the South Coast over New Year’s Eve 2019. The glow of the fires highlights the groups of people. How many people are wearing masks? How many animals can you see?
Describe the mood and how you think the people are feeling.
AGNSW prizes Sally M Nangala Mulda Town camp everyday, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
Notice how this painting shows day and night at the same time.
Sally M Nangala Mulda has painted scenes of everyday life in her camp and the different activities she does with her family and friends. How many people can you see in the car in this first scene? On the right, Sally has painted women sitting round a campfire at night. Notice how they are holding up their hands to warm them by the fire.
What type of stories do you think they are telling each other?
AGNSW prizes John Bokor Rosé and lemons, from Sir John Sulman Prize 2021
List all the things you can see in this still life.
This table is bathed in light that shines through the glass bottles and glints off surfaces. Long shadows are cast beneath the bowls, plates and cups in shades of blue and purple. Notice how the green stripes of the tablecloth lead your eyes up and across the painting. John Boker painted this still life to draw our attention to the moments of beauty we can see around us every day if we take the time to look closely.
What beautiful or unusual things have captured your attention today?