An impressive 92 stencil finalists from 21 countries have competed for the Stencil Art Prize’s 2015 winning title. On Friday 16 October, Polish collective “Monstfur” were announced the winner of this year’s Stencil Art Prize.
Their winning hand cut stencil “GRIME S0-019” (pictured below) depicts a skull combined with a train on a vintage wooden door. Monstfur accepted their Award via video at the Exhibition Launch at aMBUSH Gallery, Central Park in Sydney.
Three Highly Commendeds were also awarded on the night to Tinku (Guatemala), Tiera Boo (Australia) and Losop (Australia).
The judging panel of the Stencil Art Prize was comprised of leading Australian graffiti artist Phibs and printmaker and arts manager Tristan Chant. The winning artwork and finalist artworks will be on display at aMBUSH Gallery at Central Park in Sydney until the 30 October. The Exhibition is free and open daily from 12noon to 8pm.
Monstfur will take home a $3000 cash prize and a Stencil Art Prize Award Plate by Principal Partner Royal Doulton. The winning title also provides important international exposure and recognition for the winner.
The Stencil Art Prize began in 2009 as an Australian only prize and expanded in 2013 to include international artists. Previous winners include Miss Link (Australia 2009), E.L.K (Australia 2010), Ralf Kempkpen (2012 & 2013, Australia), David Soukup (USA, 2013), 23rdKeys (2011 & 2014, Australia).
Monstfur was founded in 2006 by two young artists from Częstochowa in the southern part of Poland. The artists work collaboratively together on their hand cut stencils and describe themselves as” byproducts of modern life and the cultural carrion of generations past”.
They draw inspiration from an absurd sense of Polish humour and frequently depict humans’ curious behaviours and traditions.
Monstfur’s works are mostly stories of the everyday man and his world of deviations, habits, and weaknesses, but also – joy and remarkable interests. The artworks evoke their early childhood in the 80s, as well as industrial design, urban dystopia and social infrastructure.
Monstfur (pictured at top in disguise) stencils have been exhibited around the world in Sydney, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm and throughout Poland. Their work is held in numerous private collections and can be found on the streets in Poland. Monstfur received a Highly Commended for the 2014 Stencil Art Prize. Visit Monstfur’s website here.
