Congratulations to CHG represented artist Bruce Rowland who has been selected as a finalist in the 2017 Manning Art Prize for his work ‘Ascension’ (pictured).

In its 26th year the biennial Manning Art Prize has once again asked artists to explore the concept of Naked & Nude. The original idea for Naked & Nude was suggested by art critic, John McDonald who is again judging the award. The major acquisitive prize is $16,000 with prize-money totalling $20,000. The winner is set to be announced September 2. 

Artist Statement: The idea for the painting came from several sources gathered over a number of years and several trips to Europe. The initial concept came from a small carved wooden religious work depicting the “Ascension” where a group of disciples with raised arms look upwards to a pair of feet disappearing out of the top of the frame (like a Titan rocket being launched!). The next inspiration was seeing the incredible “Assumption of the Virgin” by Titian in Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice. What a masterpiece of composition! And thirdly viewing the wonderfully decorative work of Gustav Klimt in Vienna. The use of a gold background is common to both religious and secular works. It was the first time that I had covered such a large area with gold leaf (genuine) but the end result was worth the research and effort. – Bruce Rowland.

Browse and shop art by Bruce Rowland on our website here.

Ascension by Bruce Rowland
Oil and gold and leaf on wood panel
122 x 61 cms 
2017