The standard of work presented for judging in the Art of Sydney Exhibition 2021 was outstanding. Particularly in the crowded Section 1 where there were more candidates worthy of prizes than there were prizes to give.
Inevitably, in such cases, when the quality has bubbled to the surface, the judge is faced with choices so numerous that to single a few out seems unfair to those works that stand equally alongside each other in manner, matter and execution. At last resort then, when the judge has applied all the criteria that one brings to judgement and the field is still not separated, the hapless individual digs into their emotions and responds accordingly.