The quest for the winning Archie has begun in schools across Australia’s eastern states, with the 2014 Archibull Prize judging tour hitting the road this week.
Archibull art judge Wendy Taylor will travel more than 6000km during the next four weeks, visiting 40 participating schools across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Thousands of primary and secondary students have spent the past two terms creating extraordinary and inspired original artworks on life-size, fiberglass cows through the Archibull Prize competition.
Wendy has been part of the Archibull Prize judging team since its inception and says the level of effort, collaboration and excitement from this year’s students is phenomenal and the Archies are some of the best yet.
“It is going to be a very tough job deciding who will take out the title of Grand Champion,” Wendy says. “Not only are the Archie artworks remarkable, but the ideas and inspiration behind them blow me away.”
Wendy Taylor is an architect and designer who, alongside her architect husband Craig, established red blue architecture + design. The couple has designed the Central District Exhibit at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for 23 years – taking out multiple awards during this time.
Week 1 saw Wendy visiting Queensland and visit Queensland she did
Day 1 looked like this Sydney to Moree to Goondiwindi to Moree to Sydney but boy was it worth it.
This is what Wendy had to say about the three bovine materpieces she saw on the 1st day of judging
First up was Goondiwindi State High School
“St Francesca” (the Holey Cow) has her head in the clouds and cotton on the brain.
She is clever and sophisticated, and encapsulates the essence of the cotton industry beautifully. Her ‘irrigation wings’ add an extra layer of intricacy and complexity, as well as a wonderful sculptural quality. Her concept -which appears deceptively simple at first glance- is the star. There is layer after layer of meaning, which forms a cohesive whole.
Check out this great little video which shares the students and their Holey Cow’s journey
Next up was Goondiwindi State School
“Archy Boll” tells both the story of the cotton process from growing to gin as well as the story from plant to product. Both sides are vibrant and tactile and are instantly appealing. Her dazzling yellow side is the stand-out for me with its delicate pictograms and tactile jeans!
And then St George State High School pulled out all stops to deliver their magnificent Archie in style
“IPM” makes your skin feel like it is crawling with bugs!
She gives the viewer a wonderful pictorial story of the school’s local area, while telling the story of sustainability in the cotton industry. The Balonne River wraps around her, giving the viewer a guided tour of the community. All over her, ladybugs weave their magic, leaving trails of fact about the cotton industry. She is intricate, clever, vibrant and fun.
Follow the students journey on their blog here
Wow what a great start You can see why Wendy is so excited
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