Carclew no longer offers this award.
The Independent Arts Foundation Franz Kempf Printmaker Award supported the professional development of South Australian printmakers (aged 26 and under).
The award was offered biennially for professional development and valued at $4,000.
The award was made possible due to a generous gift made by long-time Independent Arts Foundation member and internationally recognised, Adelaide-based artist Franz Kempf AM, who sadly passed away on 8 February 2020.
“Painter and print-maker Franz Kempf was born in Melbourne in 1926. Following study in London and Perrugia, and with Oscar Kokoschka, Kempf came to Adelaide in 1963 and became head of printmaking at the then North Adelaide School of Arts in 1969. His cultural influences include Jewish mysticism, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Cavafy and Proust, and the art of Kokoschka, Arshile Gorky and de Kooning. While many of his works deal with secular subjects, political issues and the natural environment of South Australia, among his best-known works are oils and prints inspired by the spiritual traditions in Judaism. These include the “Memorial” series and the “Jerusalem” tapestry. His works hang in all state galleries in Australia and in many galleries around the world, including The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and The Bezalel National Museum in Israel.” – Adelaide Jewish Museum
With a celebrated career spanning over half a century, Franz knew the value of providing development opportunities for emerging printmakers. The biennial award of $4,000 was to pursue professional development opportunities in the artistic practice of printmaking.
List of Recipients
2019 Recipient – Victoria Paterson
Victoria will participate in an intensive mentorship with Louise Kohrman – a respected printmaker and educator – at Zea Mays Printmaking in Massachusetts, USA for approximately one week in February 2019. Zea Mays is a studio, workshop, educational facility and research centre dedicated to safe and sustainable printmaking practices.
2017 Recipient – Abbey Rawson
Abbey will undertake a printmaking and etching mentorship with Ian Westacott in Dornoch, Scotland and is attending various international galleries, events and workshops in Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2017.
2015 Recipient – Sarah Thame
Sarah undertook a mentorship with Victorian based engraver David Frazer to extend technical skills and broaden her knowledge of printmaking processes.
2013 Recipient – Jake Holmes
Jake used the award to undertake a two week residency and mentorship at Red Hand Prints Studio (Darwin), an open access printmaking studio established over 20 years ago.
Banner image: Fly and Flea Market (2014), by 2017 IAF Franz Kempf Printmaker Award recipient, Abbey Rawson – Photo taken by Sandra Paterson