Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2024 HSAA Award

Congratulations to University of South Australia graduate artist Jess Harrison who is the 2024 winner of the Hill Smith Art Advisory Helpmann Academy award for $5,000 cash awarded to an artist working in the traditions of painting, drawing or print.

Jess is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the topics and histories of craft, community, legacy, intimacy, and identity. Jess is interested in the historical expression of feminine creativity – “women’s work” – and the division of art and craft in cultural thinking.

Portrait of Alice (left), Portrait of Olivia (right)

Redwork Quilt (for the children of my family) is a response to the great loss and grief Jess, and her family, have experienced. She created this work to be a record of her life, the lives of her loved ones, and a tribute to those who have passed. Each hand-embroidered square represents something or someone that has informed their shared identity. This work is intended to become an heirloom; a carrier of stories and identity; and to pass meaning, comfort, and warmth onto the next generation.

Photo: Bente Andermahr

Portrait of Alice and Portrait of Olivia were created to explore the tension of intimacy and distance that is present in all relationships, and as a challenge for Jess to capture the essence of an individual through perception and rendition.

HSAA congratulates all Helpmann Academy 2024 graduates. Visit the exhibition currently on display at the University of South Australia SASA Gallery until March 22.