March 14, 2023
Graham, Iti make Walters’ shortlist
Artist Brett Graham’s dramatic installation Tai Moana Tai Tangata on the wars in Taranaki and Waikato, first shown at New Plymouth’s Govett Brewster Art Gallery in 2021, has earned the Waiuku-based artist a spot in the country’s leading contemporary art award, the 2024 Walters Prize.
Also shortlisted for the Auckland City Art Gallery’s premier event is Ani Iti from Te Rarawa, for a series of recent video and sculptural installations.
The other finalists are Frankfurt-based Juliet Carpenter for recent work exhibited internationally, and Auckland artist Owen Connors for recent exhibitions including Your cart and plow over the bones of the dead and Incubations.
Award co-curator Natasha Conland says the Walters Prize has shifted for a two to a three-year cycle to recognise an artist’s overall recent contribution to contemporary art, rather than one single work.
The artists will work towards an exhibition in the winter 2024.