Tony Clarke Wins People’s Choice Prize at Estuary Art Awards

Acclaimed artist and educator Tony Clarke has been awarded the People’s Choice prize at the 2023 Estuary Art and Ecology Awards, hosted by Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick, New Zealand. This annual competition uniquely focuses on ecological themes, inviting artists to explore the Tāmaki Estuary and raise awareness about its environmental significance.

Clarke’s winning artwork, titled Further to Fly, resonated with visitors, who collectively voted it their favorite among the exhibition’s finalists. The People’s Choice award, sponsored by the Rice Family Partnership, includes a prize of $1,000 and allows attendees to express their opinions on the showcased works.

The painting features a group of eight near life-sized kuaka or godwits, highlighting the remarkable migration journey of these birds. The kuaka undertake a staggering 11,000 kilometers journey from their breeding grounds in Alaska to New Zealand, where they typically remain for two to three years. Clarke’s piece captures the beauty and vulnerability of these migratory birds, emphasizing the ecological challenges they face, particularly habitat loss at critical stopover sites.

The health of the Tāmaki Estuary is directly linked to the survival of the kuaka, as they rely on suitable habitats during their migratory journey. In presenting the award, Wally Rice and partner Marilyn Bakker praised Clarke for his exceptional ability to depict the kuaka and for effectively communicating the themes of ecological distress within his work.

Paul Brobbel, director of Uxbridge, commended Clarke’s achievement, stating that his artwork exemplifies the talent on display at the Estuary exhibitions. Brobbel also expressed gratitude for the support from the Rice Family Partnership, which enhances community engagement with the arts and the environmental themes highlighted in the exhibition.

Clarke’s recognition as the People’s Choice winner adds to the accolades of this year’s Estuary awards, which also honored artists Lucy Boermans, Rose Lee, Saskia Eliane Van Dijk, Grace Thresher, Rīhari Warnock, and Charli de Koning.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Estuary Art and Ecology Awards will continue to receive support from the Howick Local Board, the Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum, and local sponsors, furthering the commitment to promoting contemporary art that addresses ecological issues and celebrates the unique environment of the Tāmaki Estuary.