Impressive artworks depicting the theme of isolation human interventions in underwater environments and have been awarded the distinguished Theo Batten Youth Art Award.

The artworks were selected from a pool of 30 outstanding artworks in this year’s Out Front 2024 exhibition of HSC Visual Arts. 

The Theo Batten Youth Art Award, worth $5,000, helps support talented young artists pursuing arts studies at a tertiary level. 

This year’s joint winners were:

• Eden Stewart from NBSC Freshwater Senior Campus for a series of paintings entitled Solitude Unveiled
• Henri Tremauville from Narrabeen Sports High School for a ceramic work Symbiotic Depths

Both received prize money of $2000 each. 

The judges also awarded Highly Commended ($1000) to Sophia Hearty from NBSC Mackellar Girls Campus for a series of oil painting entitled Habitual Tendencies.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the calibre of artists in this year’s exhibition was extraordinary. 

“We are proud to once again showcase incredible works by some of the most talented young artists on the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Heins said.

“What an incredible achievement for these young and aspiring artists who have produced some phenomenal HSC artworks. 

“For 30 years, Northern Beaches Council has supported HSC artists by exhibiting final works at Manly Art Gallery & Museum. This year we are building on the tradition by offering exhibited artists the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program to further develop their artistic skills.

“Congratulations to all the award winners and finalists in Out Front 2024.” 

This year, Manly Art Gallery & Museum is celebrating 30 years of showcasing HSC artworks though its annual exhibition, formerly called Express Yourself.

Out Front 2024: Thirty years of Express Yourself will be on display from 1 March to 14 April 2024.

It features a broad range of expressive art forms including virtual reality, digital animation, drawing, printmaking, photography and ceramics. The artworks explore themes relevant to the young artists, such as culture, connection and environment.

For the first time ever, the 30 exhibited artists from 20 secondary schools were invited to participate in a new mentorship program.

The Theo Batten Youth Art Award is named in honour of former local artist Theo Batten who bequeathed funds for the award. 

For more information visit www.magam.com.au