Jo Bertini has been announced as finalist in the Paddington Art Prize for her painting Wild and uprooted travellers talking sideways.
‘Talking Sideways’ is an indigenous expression meaning to speak of something important indirectly to show respect. Meaning is metaphor, hidden in poetry, as with painting. In remote desert landscapes I wonder that the earth’s evolution would chance together plants and animals seemingly so foreign and strange to each other. Extreme, “inhospitable” places are wild with dazzling plants, prehistoric insects & living sands. Deserts are an overwhelming testament to the miracle of natural consequence & transformations, diverse lives being irrevocably intertwined, fitting together. — Jo Bertini, Artist Statement
The Paddington Art Prize The Paddington Art Prize is a $30,000 National acquisitive prize, awarded annually for a painting inspired by the Australian landscape. Established in 2004 by Arts Patron, Marlene Antico OAM, this National prize takes its place among the country’s most lucrative and highly coveted painting prizes.
