News

Celebrating the art of thoroughbreds - The 2011 Inglis Equine Art Prize

17th Dec 2010

The noble worlds of art and thoroughbreds come together with the inaugural Inglis Equine Art Prize.

Arthur Inglis, fifth generation of Australia’s most esteemed thoroughbred family, has created the Prize in association with Mike Coward from Australian Art Sales, to “protect and promote” a classic art form.

“Equine art holds a special place in peoples hearts, and has a timeless quality,” Inglis says. “Before the advent of the modern camera, artists were relied upon to capture the muscle tone and beauty of horses.”

The total prize pool is more than $18,000, with a major $15,000 cash prize from Inglis, and sponsored prizes from Champagne Bollinger, Crown Metropol Hotel and Antler luggage. Each year a theme will be given to artists. For the launch year, the theme is “Life at the Horse Stud.”

“Australia has some of the greatest studs in the world. Our aim is to bring their energy to the public through art, and allow the them to engage with what goes on behind the scenes,” Inglis said.

Australian Art Sales is providing the link between Inglis’ thoroughbred network, and local and international artists. Horses depicted must be registered thoroughbreds.

“Authenticity is the key to this prize,” Coward says. “The artists need to meet the people behind the scenes, and show an engagement with the subject in their work. As a depiction of real and existing things, each work becomes a historical piece.”

The Prize is not limited to a traditional depiction of a horse – it can also include the stables themselves, or the people who have devoted their lives to thoroughbreds.

Applications close on July 4, 2011. The winner will be announced at Inglis Newmarket Stables in Randwick on August 11, followed by a touring exhibition (Sydney, Melbourne and Scone) of the finalists that will incorporate a People’s Choice Award. All paintings will be available for sale.

The judges for the inaugural Inglis Equine Art Prize are Ross Harvey, one of the world’s foremost exponents of Still Life painting; Alan Bell, Chairman of Racing NSW; and Arthur Inglis.

Further details and entry forms for the Inglis Equine Art Prize are available at www.australianartsales.com.au/InglisEquineArtPrize, or by contacting Mike Coward on 0412 638 210, or michaelc7@optusnet.com.au

This release prepared by Fiona Sainty from Farm Thirteen. For further information, please contact on 0419 489 044, or Fiona@farm13.com.au

Painting above - 'Ladies in Waiting' by Barbara Lewis

THE 2011 INGLIS EQUINE ART PRIZE IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY ANTLER – CHAMPAGNE BOLINGER – BAWD PROPERTY TRUST – CROWN METROPOL