The $10,000 prize supports artists working in the field of Australian landscape painting.
Ms Kemp, who volunteers with seed banks and conservation groups, uses painting to explore the ecological rhythms of the landscape and the human role in caring for Country. She’s been exhibiting since 2015, with work shown across Melbourne, regional Victoria, Perth and Sydney.
This year’s winner was selected from 23 applicants. Jarrad Martyn and Kate McKenzie Lewis were named runners-up.
Five finalists were invited to present their work to a judging panel chaired by SAM artistic director Danny Lacy, RMIT associate professor and SAM board member Dr Drew Pettifer, Melbourne-based curator David Hagger, Wangaratta Art Gallery director Rachel Arndt, and equity trustees representative for the Theodore Urbach Landscape Painting Scholarship Briar Stevens.
“The strength of applicants over the first two iterations of The Urbach has been remarkable, and is a testament to the opportunities that this uniquely tailored initiative offers in the development of artists’ professional practices and connection with the community of Shepparton,” Mr Hagger said.
“We were impressed by the calibre and diversity of the submissions we received this year, which showcased the many unique ways in which the Australian landscape can be interpreted,” SAM curator Caroline Esbenshade said.
“We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of how we understand and engage with the genre, expanding the horizon of Australian landscape painting.
“I’m looking forward to working with Anthea, finding ways to support her development as well as to support her in sharing her knowledge and passion for conservation with the community.”
As part of the award, Ms Kemp will receive $5000 in prize money and a $5000 stipend to support a three-month studio residency at SAM from May 1 to July 31.
During her residency, she plans to work with the Euroa Arboretum on Taungurung and Yorta Yorta Country to develop a new series of paintings responding to her on-site research.
