VietNamNet Bridge – An artwork titled The Past Moved by artist Bui Cong Khanh has been selected among the 15 finalists at the Asia-Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize 2011 competition.

Confronting the rapid urban development in HCM City, Khanh has created large charcoal-on-paper backdrops of soon-to-be demolished areas of the city and invited residents to pose for photographs against them.

Documenting a space and time that will soon-be-destroyed to make way for modern buildings, the work explores the recording and making of history.

This year's shortlist was selected from the 130 artworks nominated by 24 countries and territories.

The 15 finalists come from 14 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific. Cambodia, the Chinese mainland , India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Viet Nam have one finalist each, while South Korea has two.

According to a statement from the jury panel, "The Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize has proved to be highly competitive, not only because of the considerable number of nominated artworks, but also due to the sheer calibre and diversity of the artworks emerging from the region."

Each of the 15 shortlisted works has stood out for its strength of concept and execution, and many are also extremely moving pieces.

The Signature Art Prize does not rest on a system of national quotas. Rather, it recognises and honours the outstanding merit of the singular artwork or art project.
All 15 finalist artworks will be featured at the Asia-Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize 2011 finalists exhibition at Singapore Art Museum in November.

Tan Boon Hui, director of the Singapore Art Museum, said the Signature Art Prize recognised quality work by artists in the region, regardless of their origins or whether they were established or emerging artists.

On November 17, the APB Foundation Signature Art Prize Awards Ceremony will hand out awards to five winners, including one Grand Prize winner (S$45,000 or US$35,000), three Jurors' Choice Award winners (S$10,000 each) and one People's Choice Award winner (S$10,000).

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News