Artwork 10 years in the making wins Lake Art Prize

Posted on September 27, 2022

An allusive work depicting the endless portal to the universe won the 2022 Lake Art Prize.

Winning Lake Macquarie artist Braddon Snape said the artwork, which was cleverly crafted by inflating metal, took a decade to complete.

“I’ve been developing puffy artwork for almost ten years now and I’ve really been able to hone my craft during the closures where I’ve added the aspect of light into the artwork,” Braddon said.

“The work of art is made of three stainless steel parts, which are inflated by cold air with a lot of pressure to cause it to explode and deform.”

There is a particular personal satisfaction [in winning] because I’m a Lake Macquarie born person, so I feel like people have finally recognized who I am in where I’m from.

The theme of the competition, the vessel: contained within and moving between, invited artists to explore the literal and lateral translations of a vessel.

Judge Brett Adlington said Snape’s allusive object stood out among a collection of high-caliber artwork.

“It was a very imposing piece,” Mr Adlington said.

“It has a great play of light because the object is dark space, so it uses light to encompass an area larger than itself and for us it really spoke to this theme of a ship of a truly unique way.”

Rogue’s work was exhibited Friday night at the Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), Yapang, alongside 65 other finalists for the $25,000 Lake Art Prize, one of the richest art prizes of the NSW region.

390 works participated in the competition.

Courtney Wagner, curator and operations coordinator for the MAC, yapang, said she was blown away by the variety and caliber of artists.

“We received applications from across Australia, from established and emerging artists,” she said.

“I want to congratulate not only Braddon Snape, but all of the artists who participated in their work, and especially those who were shortlisted as finalists.

“As well as purchasing Snape’s work, we also purchased highly regarded artist Vipoo Srivilasa’s ceramic sculpture of a SERPENT I figure.”

Three other artists were highly praised for their work, including Liss Finney for her sculptural installation Adventures to far off places, Michael Brown for her painting Ocean eyes and Laura Nolan for her sculpture Resting stillness.

The works will remain on display until Sunday, December 11, 2022.

For more information visit mac.lakemac.com.au.