Thursday 4 September 2014

James Drinkwater from Newcastle, NSW has won the 2014 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship for his body of work, highlighted by his painting Port de bra 2014.

Begun in 1999, this scholarship for young Australian painters is now in its 16th year. Seven finalists were selected from 99 entries. A small selection of the finalists’ work is on display at the Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills from Friday 5 September until Sunday 26 October 2014.

James Drinkwater, 30, lives and works in Newcastle. He recently took up classical ballet to further his artistic practice. Last year, Drinkwater was a highly commended Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship finalist.

This year’s judges were distinguished Australian painter Jude Rae and Head of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of NSW, Wayne Tunnicliffe.

Commenting on the work of James Drinkwater, Jude Rae said: His body of work highlighted by Port de Bra brings a distinct personal vision and a strong lyrical sensibility to a sound grasp of the material tradition of painting. James has already developed a substantial and well integrated practice that provides a sound basis for future work.

As the winner, Drinkwater receives $25,000 and a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, which is administered by the Art Gallery of NSW.

The judges also highly commended Emma Beer’s work Heat waves and stature. Jude Rae commented: Her painting combines an elegant and sophisticated exploration of material process with an understanding of its historical precedents.

Mrs Beryl Whiteley, who died in 2010, was awarded an OAM in 2004 for the creation and endowment of the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship. The inspiration for this annual scholarship was the profound effect of international travel and study experienced by her son, Brett Whiteley, as a result of winning the Italian Government Travelling Art Scholarship at the age of 20.

The Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship is open to Australian painters aged between 20 and 30 years. The Brett Whiteley Studio is managed by the Art Gallery of NSW.

View selection of winning and finalist works on display