Acorn Foundation Junior Art Awards 2023 Winners Announced: Celebrating Local Tamariki Talent

21 July 2023 - Tauranga Art Gallery and the Acorn Foundation proudly announce the winning young artists who have been recognised for their creativity and artistic prowess. The biennial competition which aims to foster and celebrate emerging talent in the local art community, has seen an overwhelming display of imagination and skill from budding creatives.

After much anticipation, the judges Nicol-Sanders O’Shea, Toi Ohomai Academic Leader Arts and Julie Paama-Pengelly, Chair of Te Tuhimareikura, have diligently reviewed all submissions and selected the standout winners across various categories. These talented individuals demonstrated exceptional vision and originality for this year’s theme: Ahurea Tuakiri Cultural Identity, setting the stage for promising futures in the world of art.

Judges Statement
“The theme of Ahurea Tuakiri Cultural Identity in this year’s Junior Art Awards is represented by a diverse range of media exploration. Each age group powerfully expressed their self-identity matched with creative technical skill. The pieces that stood out for us showed a maturity in their formal art qualities and use of media and explored the theme in an original way. Overall the works on display are colourful and playful. There is a sense that life is good in the Bay of Plenty. These youthful artists have engaged with profound concepts such as self-esteem, icons of cultural heritage, gender diversity, whanau, and place as well as social, behavioural and personal values and all together visually signify unique cultural identities in 2023 Aotearoa New Zealand.”

People’s Choice Award:
#54 Tyler Sisson, 11
Tū Kaha (Courage in the sky), 2023
Acrylic on canvas

Innovation Award:
#63 Rowan Sutherland, 11
The Rowen Tree, 2023
Indian ink and acrylic on a recycled drum skin

Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery Award:
#29 Mirabelle Were, 7
Ururangi, 2023
Acrylic on canvas

Tauranga City Council Award:
#100 Hyunseo Lee, 17
Cultural Standards, 2023
Acrylic on paper

Best in Age Group (12-14 Years):
#90 Mathilde Claxton, 12
Culture, 2023
Digital drawing

#85 Lucca Green, 13
Her, 2023
Mixed media on paper

Best in Age Group (15-18 Years):
#100 Hyunseo Lee, 17
Cultural Standards, 2023
Acrylic on paper

#98 Jemima Thomas, 17
Ko Wai Au?, 2023
Acrylic on paper

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