The Climber
Grace Naveikata
- Sitter: Self-portrait
- Medium: Photograph
- Dimensions: 29 x 42 cm
- Artist Age: 17
- Artist School: Mary MacKillop College
2021 Next Gen Prize
Proudly supported by
Gadens
About the work
The Climber is a digital self-portrait that communicates my personal growth, spiritually and culturally. As a young woman of Fijian background, the winding and growing progression of my artwork beside me, metaphorically symbolises my journey in the River City. Thirteen years ago, my family moved from Sydney to Brisbane to find better work and a more comfortable lifestyle. It hasn’t always been easy,… I feel I have had to carve out an identity, similar to the sediment that has shaped our beloved brown snake.
Judge's Notes
Grace’s work is a nuanced self portrait that articulates her passage through life and its grounding in her familial history and spiritual development. She has captured a sophisticated representation of her contemporary self through her considered approach to the media—constructing and layering elements of her journey, experience, and identity.
There were a number of high quality entrants to the Next Gen Prize—I am honestly astounded by the talent of these young artists. We could only accept a small portion of the submissions. Every entrant deserves to be commended for their achievements and I truly hope they continue their visual arts pursuits in future.
Jenna Baldock
Next Gen Judge
