In this curation discover Bluethumb Art Prize 2021 judge Bronwyn Bancroft's scorecard picks across all categories, as well as her overall top five. “With all judging, results are hard to assess,” she said. “I admire artists and I admire their dedication to artistic practice.”
First place nomination goes to Desert Western Pebble Mouse by Grace Brown, a mixed media piece which won Bronwyn’s top place in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander category. The piece details thousands of pebbles constructed and moved by mice in the outback, which serve as houses for countless generations.
In second place, Damon Kowarsky’s Studenica Landscape was selected. Etched in a mix of ink, watercolour and colour pencil, the lush green landscape depicts the view of a valley as seen from the Studenica Monastery, Serbia, by the artist in 2019.
Digital piece Street Lights by Mark Simkins took the third place nomination. Drawn in bold colours, Street Lights showcases a row of black streetlights receding into a curved line, lit by a red moon and striking red gradient backdrop which fades into purple.
Fourth place pick Near and Far Diptych by Penelope Oates was also one of Bronwyn’s picks in the landscape category. The title of this work pays homage to the artist’s residence and place of work in New South Wales – a breathtaking view of mists and clouds that seem to hover and descend on the hinterland below. The diptych is a mixed media artwork on wood.
Gold Reflections by Ericka Baker takes the fifth spot overall. The piece displays a kaleidoscopic, sweeping view of Kalamina Gorge at Karijini National Park. Set in a hot, late afternoon, the composition captures cast shadows which create depth and visual interest as well as a saturated colour scheme with vibrant colours.

Curated by Bronwyn Bancroft