Meet Patricia Hoffie: This Year’s Art Awards Judge

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2017 Art Awards Pat Hoffie with her 'Immaterial Labour (Skatebowl / Prounroom)' installation (2014) at the Ipswich Art Gallery. Image courtesy of the artist

Meet Patricia Hoffie: This Year’s Art Awards Judge

The 42nd Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards, hosted by the Gladstone Regional Art Galley & Museum, is calling for entries this week, between 5 and 7 October 2017.  In one week’s time, the 2017 Art Awards Judge, Patricia Hoffie, will present the winning artists with $38,000 in prize money.  In the lead up to this exciting event, it seems a fitting time to get to know the Judge a little better.

Patricia (Pat) Hoffie is an internationally renowned Queensland based artist. For many decades she has worked as an academic and a writer, regularly contributing to contemporary art debate and development.  Pat recently left her position at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, to concentrate on her own art practice. In acknowledgement of her long dedication to research and teaching, the University awarded her the title, Emeritus Professor.

Q1:  What will you be looking for when you judge the entrants?

Pat:  I don't come in with a particular preference or a particular style in mind - I think you have to take each work within the parameters it establishes for itself. A strong artwork will often reach out to communicate beyond all the criteria you think it 'should' have to make it work. 

Q2:  When you create, what inspires you?

Pat:  It can come from almost anywhere - but you need to retain a sense of wonder - a sense of the “what if's" in order to be open to possibilities. There's just SO MUCH to be inspired by, and so little time.

Q3:  What advantages do you think regional artists have?

Pat:  I think regionally based artists often have a better opportunity of becoming part of the community they are part of. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of being a regionally based artist is that you have access to local places, people, histories and stories that no-one else does. Each town in Australia has a unique sense of place, and the artists living there has the opportunity to interpret that to the broader world.

All are invited to attend the Awards Presentation at 6pm, on Saturday 14 October 2017.   Phone the Gallery & Museum on 4976 6766 or email gragm@gladstone.qld.gov.au to RSVP.

 

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