The West Australian Pulse 2023
Meet the Artist
Meet the Artist is a new series produced in collaboration with The West Australian, of interviews with some of the Pulse artists exploring their practice, process and influences.
Get to know some of the talented young artists behind this year’s The West Australian Pulse, including the addition of video interviews highlighting personal journeys, concepts and material practices.
Tour the exhibition
Watch the recording of Pulse Talk An Empty Canvas
Awards
The West Australian Pulse 2023 People’s Choice Award
The winner of The West Australian Pulse 2023 People’s Choice Award, valued at $2,500, is Sky Biesse for her work Don’t Worry Be Happy 2022. The school Sky attended, St Mark’s Anglican Community School, receives an AGWA workshop and tour package. And one lucky voter wins a $100 AGWA Design Store voucher. Sky Biesse was also the recipient of this year’s Editor’s Choice Award. See her winning artwork and statement below.
Sky Biesse Don’t Worry Be Happy 2022. Oil on canvas, 153 x 122 x 3 cm. St Mark’s Anglican Community School. Photo: Rebecca Mansell.
The West Australian Editor’s Choice Award
An Award selected by Anthony De Ceglie, Editor in Chief, West Australian Newspapers. Valued at $2,500. The winner is Sky Biesse from St Mark’s Anglican Community School for her work titled Don’t Worry Be Happy 2022.
Artist Statement
My artwork captures the inner turmoil of mental illness, through reflection on my own personal experiences. The intention behind this concept was to create a visual representation of mental illness for those who do not understand the toll it takes on the human mind. I wanted to contribute to the conversation on mental health inviting viewers to connect with the experience regardless of whether they have mental illness or not. The figurative subject matter was inspired by artwork from the Renaissance period and the artistic practice of Phil Hale, who captures emotion through dynamic compositions.
Catalogue
View this year’s exhibition publication
AGWA Pulse
AGWA Pulse is also a year-round program of art experiences, opportunities and events for 15-21-year-olds, organised with their input. The headline event for AGWA Pulse is the annual Pulse Perspectives exhibition. Follow @agwapulse for updates.
