The annual Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious art competitions since its first award in 2003. Regarded as one of the richest arts prizes in Australia, it entices artists to work with themes of natural history with a view of $114,500 in total prize money. The title of the competition pays tribute to the memory of Frederick George Waterhouse, curator of the South Australian museum from 1860 to 1882, who was also regarded as one of the most eminent naturalists of his day. And such, the competition serves “to promote and recognise excellence in art that depicts natural history or wildlife,” and attracts entries from all around the world.

This year the Waterhouse Art Prize drew over 800 entries from national and international artists in 12 different countries working with the medium of paintings, drawings and sculptures to reflect only on the beauty, fragility and complexities of our Australian natural environment. Judges for this year included Barry Pearce, Head Curator of Australian Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales; Gary Shead highly respected artist who has won both the Archibald and Dobell prizes; Zoe D’Arcy, Director of Public Programs at the National Archives of Australia and Dr Suzanne Miller, Director of the South Australian Museum.

Altogether there are 12 prizes; the overall prize, first, second and third prizewinners in each of the categories: paintings, works on paper, sculpture and objects; and A People’s Choice award. The Waterhouse Prize Package also added a new touch: The Waterhouse Youth Art Prize for artists aged 16 to 25 years. Judges selected 101 finalists and 33 of the prize-winning and highly commended artworks are currently on display at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra until November 15 and it’s really worth taking a look at the wonderful assortment.

The overall winner is Matilda Michell, a recent graduate of the National Art School in Sydney. Given the intricacies and complexities to some of the other works on display, (for example, a glass chess set with Australian animals as the pieces); I was surprised to see a set of six panels of fish on a dark background including sardines and salmon, each in a different stage of filleting, is awarded $50,000 and will be part of the South Australia Museum’s Waterhouse Collection.

But I am told that the intricacies in Michell’s Fish are embedded in the context of her paintings. Despite her fish are dead and sometimes gutted, they still appear lifelike, with their silvery forms set off against deep shadow. She is also the first winner to base her work on the genre of still life, which is closer than any other to natural history. With the exception of the Michell’s Fish, all works are for sale (and they make a sound investment).

And while you’re there, have a look at Max Dupain’s photographs of Canberra in early 1900s – it’s a treat.

The Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize

Overall Winner: Matilda Michell, Fish (NSW)
People's Choice: Janine Mackintosh (SA)

For more info visit the National Archives of Australia website