2022 Libris Awards expresses lived experiences of recent years

Passages is five artist’s books full of bright colours, shapes and forms that together speak of the artist’s travel within, and outside of, the Philippines.

The work takes inspiration from driving through the sleepy state of rural Laguna, Philippines, and the shapes and forms that emerge from houses and structures; from wrought-iron gates to wall trimmings and breezeblocks.

Mayor Greg Williamson congratulated Dorizac on taking out the coveted Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal National Artists’ Book Award and $7000 prize.

“It’s a tremendous artwork that somehow, even in a room of 57 shortlisted entries, manages to catch your attention from across the room,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Being an acquisitive prize, I am pleased to announce that Passages 1-5 is now part of our extensive artist’s book collection, a collection that now contains more than 600 works,” he said.

Artspace Mackay director Tracey Heathwood said “Heavenly states” by artist Sarah Ind took out the Highly Commended $3000 prize and would also be added to the Artspace Mackay collection.

“This flowing, intricate work is inspired by Precious Promise boxes and the infinite scroll of social media,” Ms Heathwood said.

“The artist describes it as a handwritten antidote to discord, disruption and digital ‘doomscrolling’,” she said.

“While it’s a comment on the uncertain times of the last few years, it’s also a very positive piece that celebrates many of the things that we can be thankful for and optimistic about moving forward.”

Ms Heathwood said the diversity of artists’ books submitted this year was incredible and the themes explored offered an interesting narrative of what’s important and relevant in the world today.

“Issues of climate change, mental health, isolation, the plight of refugees, the challenges young people face with the housing market and, of course, the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19 are all explored in the various works,” she said.

“Collectively, these works express our lived experience of the last couple of years and form an exhibition that everyone can resonate with in some way.”

The Mackay Regional Council Regional Artists’ Book Award $2500 prize went to Denise Vanderlugt for her work “Living with green” and the Artspace Mackay Tertiary Artists’ Book Award $2000 prize went to Ana Paula Estrada for an intimate work of digital print and photography titled “I am here”.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2022 Libris Awards would be on show in the Main Gallery until June 19 and encouraged residents to visit the gallery and take the time to explore the exhibition.

“The hours of work that have gone into these artists’ books and the creativity and intricacy has to be seen to be believed,” he said.

“I’d like to thank our major sponsor Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, our judges, Adele Outteridge and Brian Robinson, and the artists throughout Australia who submitted entries for the 2022 Libris Awards.”