Winner of HIDDEN 2022 Rookwood Sculptures announced
– Cybele Cox, The Red Shoes Vanitas –
SYDNEY 12 SEPTEMBER 2022: Northern Beaches artist, Cybele Cox, has won the $10,000 HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures award for The Red Shoes Vanitas, which was announced at the exhibition’s official opening on Saturday 10 September.
The Red Shoes Vanitas is a large symbolic sculpture fusing symbols from the mythic world and elements of fashion with fantasies of a recalibrated western art canon.
According to the judging panel, Cybele’s hand-built glazed ceramic sculpture is a reflective piece that beautifully embodied the theme of this year’s event which invited artists to reflect on the themes of history, culture, remembrance, love, mourning, cycles of life and the passage of time.
According to Kath Fries, curator of HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures, “The outstanding quality of the works this year made the award decision very challenging for the judges. They were impressed by Cybele Cox’s The Red Shoes Vanitas, which is a sophisticated work featuring symbols of death and transience contrasted with depictions of fetishes stereotypically associated with female desirability. The symbols of vanity are positioned as amusements that act as a veil of obscurity, which also humour and celebrate the richness of life, the futility of pleasure and the certainty of death.”
HIDDEN Rookwood Sculptures is a unique event that encourages the public to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Rookwood Cemetery, including its rich history. The site’s architecture and gardens date back to the 1800’s when the cemetery was a place for social gatherings and family picnics. Harking back to this bygone era, Rookwood will be hosting an extensive public program throughout the HIDDEN exhibition, including a Family Picnic Day at The Village Green on Sunday 9 October from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
The Red Shoes Vanitas is one of 55 exhibits, including sculptures, performances and short films, on display at this year’s event which runs until 9 October.
HIDDEN would not be possible without the generosity from founding sponsors Cumberland City Council and Friends of Rookwood Inc, as well as support from Elite Funeral Directors, Dharug Strategic Management Group, ACU Strathfield, 2CR Chinese Radio, Farm City, Southern Cross Funeral Directors, Cunneen Signs, EM Funerals, Icon Funerals, Phoenix Foundry, Triaxial Consulting, and West Journal.
HIDDEN ROOKWOOD SCULPTURES – 2022 WINNERS LIST
Rookwood Sculpture Award $10,000
Cybele Cox, The Red Shoes Vanitas
(artwork site #20)
Muru Award $2,000
Awarded to a First Nations Australian Artist, sponsored by Dharug Strategic Management Group
Maddison Gibbs, Mother Scar Tree
(artwork site #12)
Rookwood Short Films Award $2,000
Elise Harmsen, Last Sentences
Nerine Martini Memorial Award $1,000
This award commemorates Nerine Martini’s vibrant life (1968–2019) and art practice, specifically her socially engaged creative work with community groups and participation in HIDDEN Sculptures.
Awarded to a work that engages with a current social issue or involves working with a community group.
Stevie Fieldsend, STILL…
(artwork site #7)
Rookwood Sensory Award $1,000
Szymon Dorabialski, The Bell Tolls for Three
(artwork site #2)
The WEST Journal Award for a Western Sydney Artist $1,000
Maissa Alameddine, Songs for Sitti: prayers for my grandmother
(artwork site #6)
Elite Funeral Directors Award $1,000
Awarded to a work that sparks conversation around end of life and the ways in which we honour our departed, while best serving our own mourning journey
Anne Zahalka, May their memory be a blessing
(artwork site #3)
Rookwood Students Awards
Cabramatta High School, The Rhythm of Lamentation (artwork site #24)
Barker College, Making Connections (artwork site #25)
Cumberland Council Professional Development Awards
Leisa Sage
Tom Blake
For further information on HIDDEN and to find out more about the activities included in the public program, visit www.hiddeninrookwood.com.au or call 02 8575 8100.
Media enquiries: for more information or images please contact
Kim Viney, Write Away Communication
Ph: 02 9252 2266
