Artist Owen Connors is gaining significant recognition in Aotearoa’s art scene. Connors, who uses the pronouns they/them, has been named one of four nominees for Aotearoa’s prestigious Walters Prize. This nomination follows a series of notable achievements, including winning the $25,000 Rydal Art Prize last year. This biennial award honors a recent body of work deemed by a jury to have made a significant contribution to Aotearoa painting. Additionally, Connors was granted one of the nation’s most esteemed artist residencies at McCahon House in Waitakere.
The Walters Prize, with a substantial reward of $50,000, is Aotearoa’s top art accolade, now awarded every three years. Connors is competing against three other distinguished artists: Juliet Carpenter, Brett Graham, and Ana Iti. Their work, along with that of the other finalists, is currently on display at Auckland Art Gallery, the venue that hosts the prize.
Connors’ nomination stems from two exhibitions held at their dealer, Robert Heald Gallery. However, the Walters Prize exhibition focuses on one particularly ambitious piece, highlighting Connors’ evolving artistry and their growing impact on the New Zealand art landscape.
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