2023 'Contemporary Wearables' Jewellery Award & Exhibition
Showcasing 45 of Australia's most distinguished and promising contemporary artisans, the Contemporary Wearables Biennial serves as a vivid reflection of current trends in artistry, innovation and craftsmanship.
Published 25 August 2023
Written by Sam Kirby
Photography supplied by Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
The Contemporary Wearables Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition will once again take centre stage at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, underscoring the gallery’s commitment to showcasing excellence in contemporary adornment and showcasing Australia's most distinguished and promising contemporary artisans.
Established in 1989 with support from the Toowoomba Gallery Society Inc, the award has evolved into a dynamic platform for experimentation and innovation in contemporary jewellery and object design; the accolades acquired through the award having significantly contributed to shaping one of Australia's premier collections of contemporary jewellery.
Notably, each exhibited piece stands eligible for recognition and inclusion within the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery's prestigious Toowoomba City Collection.
For this year's edition, the judging panel, consisted of Christian Hall, Cassandra Lehman, and Emily McCulloch Childs who curated the selection of 45 artists, with Award winners decided by Chloe Powell, co-founder and director of Radiant Pavilion.
The Award-winning collection received a $6,000 first prize, with the runner-up receiving $3,500 and $1,500 being awarded for the winning Student piece. Council has also pledged an additional $15,000 for acquisitions to continue building the collection.
Art lovers can view the winning pieces plus many more in the Contemporary Wearables ’23 exhibition until 19 November. The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is free to stroll through and is open Wednesdays to Sundays.
Pictured: 2021 Winner: ‘Florilegium ...traversing the poetry of plant’
Crafted by former local Sarah Rayner in collaboration with Sophie Carnell. The collection features intricate pieces finished with porcelain and silver. Sarah’s works are inspired by her admiration of the natural environment, particularly Australian native plants and their unique fruits and seeds.
