Jacq Chorlton has again claimed victory as the 2019 Wearable Art Mandurah Artist of the Year with her garment Il Etait Une Fois.
The piece was inspired by the artist's obsession with vintage children's books and the movement of a turning page.
Chorlton also took out the major win last year with her garment Sky and Water III featuring black corflute birds, inner tube feathers and handmade embossed aluminium fish.
The Wearable Art Mandurah showcase once again mesmerised audiences over the weekend as unique and extravagant garments filled the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
Hundreds of patrons turned out to view the spectacular visual arts display with work from local, national and international artists featuring a mix of beautiful, imaginative and even confronting garments.
Entries included original creations reflecting the natural environment, social and world issues, folklore, myths and fairy tales, accompanied by music, theatre and dance in an outstanding stage production.
The 2019 competition attracted over 100 entries from Australia, New Zealand, America and Romania with the top 43 garments taking to the stage on June 15 and 16 for the final round of judging.
This years event was judged in five categories, aimed to be inclusive of all skill levels and ages: avant-garde, movement, a land down under, tertiary student and youth (under 18 years old).
There were also special awards for first-time entrant, international, creative reuse, tertiary student highly commended, the TAFTA Inc, Powertex and Gillian Kaye Peebles awards and City of Mandurah artist of the year.
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Mayor Rhys Williams said Wearable Art Mandurah was one of the jewels in our city's creative crown.
"The opportunities for collaboration and connection with artists and designers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds is one of the aspects I love most about Wearable Art," he said.
"This of course is only possible thanks to the generosity and hard work of our partners and judges, who are leaders in their fields and whose expertise is invaluable for the growth of the competition.
"A huge thank you also to our volunteers, without your passion and commitment we wouldn't be able to bring together this visual spectacular."
The 2019 Wearable Art Mandurah winners:
- First Time Entrant Award: Morte, An Australian Bunyip by Marie Wright and Taralee Freeman (New Zealand)
- Powertex Award: Bowerbird's Blues by Alana Grant and Ruby Vale
- Gillian Kaye Peebles Youth Award: Voyage of the Ancestor by Catherine Shepherd
- TAFTA INC Award: Suburban Splendour by Jacqueline Gibson
- Highly Commended Tertiary Student Award: Coral by Nasrin Qasemi
- Tertiary Student Award: Gaudy Mask Dress by April Richards
- Youth Award: In Bloom by Teddy McRitchie
- Movement Award: Regeneration by Ardea Murphy
- Avant-Garde Award: Just Breathe by Stephanie Munro
- Land Down Under Category: Mourning Birds by Meagan Howe
- Creative Re-use Award: X-Ray Vision by Lyn Blasgund
- International Artist of the Year Award: Icy Willow by Antoaneta Tica
- Artist of the Year Award: Il Etait Une Fois by Jacq Chorlton
Showcase artistic director Bernie Bernard said this year's showcase was particularly "magical and mysterious".
"I am grateful to work with an incredibly skilled cast and crew and our creative intention is to take you on a journey to lands filled with mythical creatures and introduce you to brave and heroic beings," she said.
"It has been a privilege to work with these spectacular garments in the development of our 2019 showcase.
"They are truly unique and each one tells a story."
The 2019 Wearable Art Mandurah showcase garments will be on display at Contemporary Arts Spaces Mandurah from August 6-September 22, 2019.
Entries for the 2020 competition open on November 1, 2019. For more information, visit the Wearable Art Mandurah website.
