We have now reached the final year of the John Fries Award – after postponing the 2020 finalists' exhibition due to the COVID situation – this eleventh exhibition now marks the conclusion of this longstanding award in memory of my father.
John Fries Award 2020/21 13 March - 17 April 2021
Finalists: Darcey Bella Arnold, Daniel Jenatsch, Sara Morawetz, Ryan Presley, JD Reforma, Melanie Jame Wolf and Shevaun Wright.
Curator: Miriam Kelly.
It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I approach the final John Fries Award. I’m grateful for how it brought together so many wonderful early-career artists across Australia and New Zealand, giving them the opportunity to share their diverse practices and supporting new ambitious works. There were numerous people along the way who generously contributed their time, energy and expertise to the growth of the John Fries Award. I’d especially like to express my appreciation to the Viscopy Boards and CEO’s 2009 to 2017, the John Fries Award Committee, Visual Arts team at Copyright Agency, our judging panels and the six fabulous guest curators.
Since 2010 the John Fries Award has created a cherished space to reflect on and remember my father, his generosity, encouragement and practical approaches to supporting his family, friends and colleagues to pursue their dreams. I’ve always regretted not giving a eulogy at his funeral. I was too stunned with grief at the time, but the John Fries Award has become, in a sense, my annual eulogy for my father. I’ve been personally involved with the John Fries Award every step of the way, working very closely with most of the curators and the administration team. Having such a personal stake in what has become a high-profile award, has sometimes been challenging as well as deeply rewarding; I still have a twinge of discomfort being on the selection panel judging my peers.
Although it is sad that the John Fries Award is coming to an end, I’m proud of what we have achieved over the years. The extensive list of John Fries Award finalists seems somewhat like an extended family, artists for whom being part of the John Fries Award was an early-career springboard, from which they have gone on to bigger and better things.
Each year when the winner is announced, I’ve been moved by their sincere surprise and humble responses. They were never told beforehand, we insisted on keeping it a secret until the public announcement. My mother, Vivienne Fries, generously funds the award money each year. She is always a bit nervous, but also delighted, to stand up in front of everyone and announce the winner. The audience numbers at the opening events always blew us away. I’m sure they will be there in spirit and online this year when the final John Fries Award winner is announced. Congratulations to all the finalists of the last John Fries Award. My heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been involved in the John Fries Award journey over the years.
Dr Kath Fries
Artist and Founder of the John Fries Award
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