Montalto Sculpture Prize 2021 - winner

“The judges had a hard time this year - having shortlisted 5 works from the finalists. After many in-depth discussions with this year’s judges (which I thoroughly enjoy listening to), ‘Random Statistics’ was selected as the worthy recipient of the 2021 Montalto Sculpture Prize. Jos’ sculpture is so fitting in these times and a wonderful addition to the permanent collection at Montalto - well done Jos!

We are so blessed to have been able to put this exhibition on, and very grateful to the artists for making it happen. I'm sure the 21 finalists works, along with the 33 permanent works, will all be well viewed over the summer to come.”, Neil Williams.

“It is so great to win this prize. Of course the money will make a huge difference to my practice and life, but it’s more than that. It is the validation. Sculpting is such a solo pursuit. You do it for yourself, but to know that others value your work is truly exciting and humbling at the same time. I’m just over the moon!”, Jos Van Hulson.

A bit about this incredible sculpture, which will now become part of the permanent collection at Montalto:

"Made from recycled distance counters from the Victorian railways, this tower like shape is a memorial to distances and statistics

On top of the tower is a weather vain, representing the randomness of life's fortunes and misfortunes..... in whichever-way the wind blows. Particularly in the Covid world we are constantly bombarded with numbers in human suffering. Yet we distance ourselves from such statistics. Only when misfortune touches us personally can we bridge those distances and connect with human suffering.

Imbedded in the tower are mirrors. The viewer, on close inspection may catch a glimpse of him or herself, a friend or a stranger.

All a possible random statistic.”

--

The Montalto Sculpture Prize is an acquisitive award open to all artists working in any medium. All of the non-winning Finalist works are available for purchase.

The Montalto Sculpture Trail is open from 11am - 5pm, 7 days a week. We have 21 incredible finalists in this year’s exhibition and their outstanding entries, including this year’s winner ‘Random Statistics’ by Jos Van Hulson, will continue to be displayed alongside our permanent collection for visitors to enjoy from 20th November 2021 through until 1st May 2022 and is one of the most visited attractions on the Mornington Peninsula.

Sculpture is an integral part of life at Montalto and a highlight of any visit to the estate. The Montalto Vineyard Sculpture Trail winds its way through the property and the beautiful natural gallery provides diverse settings for the pieces. You might find monumental works sited in open spaces through to more intimate pieces amongst the wetlands and vines. We showcase our collection on our Facebook and Instagram pages via a “virtual sculpture tour” every Monday. You can also follow our hashtag: #montaltosculptureprize

We believe a visit to Montalto is an experience not to be forgotten. A moment out of the ordinary.

More about Montalto Sculpture Prize:

DETAILS HERE

2021 Judges:
Guest Judge - Danny Lacy, Gallery Director at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG).
John Mitchell, Owner, Montalto.
Phillip Doggett-Williams, Artist.
Kelly Gellatly, Founding Director at Agency Untitled.
Peter Williams, Director Williams Boag.

Find out more about previous finalists:

DETAILS HERE

For any enquiries regarding Montalto Sculpture Prize, please email Neil Williams sculpture@montalto.com.au