A PERFORMANCE artist whose previous work includes regurgitating glasses of salty milk in front of an audience has been shortlisted for the Liverpool Art Prize.
Julieann O’Malley, who also creates video, sound and photography, joins sculptor Kevin Hunt, former TV costumier Tabitha Moses and French artist Laurence Payot on the 2012 short-list.
All four will exhibit their work at an as yet unannounced Liverpool venue from April 26, with the winner being announced on May 29.
The shortlist was whittled down from the 52 nominations received during an open entry process.
This year’s judges are Liverpool Biennial director Sally Tallant, critcally-acclaimed performance artist Tim Etchells, 2012 Liverpool Art Prize winner Robyn Woolston and Liverpool Post arts editor Laura Davis.
Jenny Porter, project manager at arts centre Metal, which is running the competition, said: “We’re really excited by this year’s shortlist which includes a diverse range of practices including, for the first time, artists who use performance in their work.
“The Art Prize will continue to engage and impress local audiences with some of the most cutting-edge work made in the city.
“Liverpool continues to keep building on the talent found here and we can’t wait to show off the work of these artists in the exhibition later this year.”
The overall winner will receive £2,000 as well as an exhibition at The Walker Art Gallery.
Kevin Hunt is a sculptor based at artist studios The Royal Standard on Vauxhall Road where he also curates projects as well as creating his own work.
His sculptures use found and redundant objects, which he reconfigures to expose an inherent beauty.
Originally from France but based at The Royal Standard for eight years, Laurence Payot’s work blurs the line between art and its audience by inviting viewers to become active participants.
In 2011, she invited residents of the Picton area of South Liverpool to follow the directions in a daily text message in the aim of creating discreet coincidences as a 14-day piece of performance art.
Tabitha Moses originally trained as an embroiderer before working in costume for film and TV.
Many of her works are made from junk shop and flea market finds which suggest the memories of those who discarded them. Subjects have included murder, bodies, skin and Blackpool. She is based at Bridewell Studios on Prescot Street.
Moses said: “I’m made up to be shortlisted. It’s an opportunity for more people to see my work and for me to make new work too.”
Founded by website Art In Liverpool, the Liverpool Art Prize is open to all professional artists based or born in Liverpool City Region, including Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley, Halton and Sefton.
Previous winners include Imogen Stidworthy, AL and AL, David Jacques and Marcus Soukup.
Last year’s winner Robyn Woolston will present her show Stranger in a Strange Land at the Walker from March 23.
