John McDonald
Art Critic | Author & Publisher of the site Everything the artworld doesn't want you to know (Everythingthe.com)
I began judging the KAAF Art prize when I was regular art critic for the Sydney Morning Herald. Today I’m out of the mainstream but writing more than ever and working at a range of art & cinema projects. As the longest-serving judge of the Prize, I’ve watched it evolve from uncertain early days into a highly professional event. At the same time, there has been a steady growth of entries from established and emerging artists who recognise that this is a genuinely open competition with no special agendas. One of the most pleasing aspects has been the chance to discover so many good artists who have yet to find professional representation. Another has been the way the prize has made artists and public more aware of the Korean Cultural Centre of Australia and its programs by holding its prize exhibitions there. I’ve often used South Korea as an example of the kind of arts-friendly state that Australia could & should be, and the KAAF Art Prize is a living example of that vision.
Dr Oliver Smith
Senior lecturer, SCA | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences | USYD
I first joined the esteemed John McDonald in judging the KAAF Art Prize in 2018, following the recommendation of friend and mentor Professor Colin Rhodes. Colin once said that we’re all working on the one great creative undertaking, or words to that effect, and for me judging this prize is a part of this collective endeavour. In the context of this exhibition all participants and contributors are celebrating creativity, cultural history, diversity and cross-fertilisation.
The build up to the event each Spring includes an exciting conversation with John about the works submitted, a productive and enjoyable engagement with Cathie Kim and the KAAF Team, and a stimulating connection with the Korean Cultural Centre. Of course, being a judge is also an opportunity to see into the creative world of each of the artists who enters their work. And through the selection process I am provided with the chance to share a number of the creations with a larger audience. Therefore, I see my contribution to the exhibition as a real privilege and one that I look forward to every year.
The build up to the event each Spring includes an exciting conversation with John about the works submitted, a productive and enjoyable engagement with Cathie Kim and the KAAF Team, and a stimulating connection with the Korean Cultural Centre. Of course, being a judge is also an opportunity to see into the creative world of each of the artists who enters their work. And through the selection process I am provided with the chance to share a number of the creations with a larger audience. Therefore, I see my contribution to the exhibition as a real privilege and one that I look forward to every year.
Past judges
Prof. Colin Rhodes
artist, scholar, writer
Hunan Normal University, China
Prof. Inae Kim
artist, lecturer
Art Academy & Docent
Chung-Ang University, Korea
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Prof. Yong Sun Suh
artist, lecturer
Seoul National University, Korea
Salvatore Zofrea
artist, printmaker
2 times Archibald Prize winner