Judge:

Mr Tony Ellwood
Deputy Director,
National Gallery of Victoria




Judge's statement regarding the winner

This year's winner of the Alice Prize is South Australian photographer, Deborah Paauwe. Her dramatic C-type photograph is titled "Crimson Autograph" and depicts two female figures shrouded in pink tulle. The faces are anonymous and this haunting work has a multiplicity of readings.

Paauwe, a former recipient of the Samstag scholarship, receives $15 000 in prize money plus a one month artist's residency in Alice Springs. This prize provided a rare opportunity to encounter the beauty of the Central Australian landscape and people, and has the potential to make a significant impact on an artist's future career.

Paauwe's work is seductive, secretive and romantic and this region could generate a fascinating synergy for her future work.

(Acquired)
Peggy Napangardi Jones, (NT)