Deakin University contemporary small sculpture award 2011

Stephen says, 'My ceramic works locate themselves in an invented world where dissonant cultural idioms come together to form a language I have coined Industrial Sobotage. I use humour, propaganda, trompe l'oeil and meaningless violence to re-tell archetypal myths and make observations about complex collective issues, including politics, cultural imperialism and the global power struggle.' The work is featured in an animation showing in the Hyperclay touring exhibition.

This $10,000 award is sponsored by the School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University, and organised by the Deakin University Art Collection and Galleries unit.

37 finalists were recently selected for the 2011 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award from 263 entries by the judging panel consisting of:

• John Cunningham, Director Warrnambool Art Gallery;
• Kelly Gellatly, Curator of contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Victoria; and
• Leanne Willis, Manager, Art Collection and Galleries Deakin University.

The award winning sculpture will become part of Deakin University's art collection.

Stephen Bird, Boxers clay, pigment, glaze, Winner 2011 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. Photography by Simon Peter Fox.

Deakin University's Arts and Entertainment Management program has been providing professional development for arts managers in the Australian arts and cultural sector for over 15 years.

Arts management is a career for people who are dedicated to and passionate about the arts. Our program is based on the view that arts managers are vital in creating opportunities for artists and arts organisations to come together with their audiences.

The Deakin Contemporary small sculpture award is just such an opportunity.