2018 Ruqayyah Ibourki Ekphrasis Poetry Competition
Writing workshop
Date: Friday 20 July 2018
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Venue: Kaiela arts
Tutor: Dr Bonny Cassidy
Cost: $20..00 per person
Bookings:
Workshop Description: Ruqayyah Ibourki Ekphrasis Poetry Competition is created and sponsored by Abdul Ibourki and administered by the Goulburn Valley Writers Group Inc – Featuring the work ‘Connecting Waters’ by Yorta Yorta artist Troy Firebrace. The art work will be on display at Kaiela Arts for the month of July. The competition will be judged by selected members of the Goulburn Valley Writers Group Inc. and the Dungala Kaiela Writing Awards.
First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100
Using the image of Connecting Waters by Troy Firebrace, the task is to produce a poem or literary description of the work to a maximum of 16 lines. Troy Firebrace is a an emerging artist and active member of Kaiela arts.
Artist statement: The waters of the land all connect together, all related, all following the same path. Even though the rivers, creeks and waterholes have their own story and their own character they share the same journey, bear the same responsibility. This is the same for us as humans, as people. Sharing the same roads and pathways, seemingly going about our business that is unique to the individual but as you take a step back to widen your view you realize we are all aiming for the same goal regardless of colour, religion, culture or status.
This artwork reflects this way of life. With the ability to see the work up close and admire the individuality in the brushstrokes, the imperfections and the unique linework is a journey of its own. Staring into the circles in which we meet to share stories that twist, turn and melt. Watching the branches of the river banks stretch out from those circles to reach to the next generations, to their neighbour, regardless of colour only seen as gold of value, of worth, in hopes they too can hear the stories, finally flowing into the river and soil creating layers and layers in history.
Upon taking a step back you see a neighbouring section of the artwork that shares almost the same characteristics but has its own imperfections that tells its own story. Another step, another and another you start to see the artwork coming together, with each individual section joining together forming into the visual meaning of co-existence.
Entries close on 30th September 2018 and winning poems will be announced 30th October 2018.