Matthew Galloway named finalist in Circa Art Prize

Matthew Galloway, a prominent figure in New Zealand’s contemporary art scene, has achieved dual recognition, marking a significant milestone in his career. The artist has been named a finalist for the esteemed 2024 Circa Prize in London and selected for the 2025 McCahon House Parehuia Artist-in-Residence program in New Zealand.

2024 Circa Prize Finalist

Galloway, in collaboration with Sahrawi/Algerian artist Mohamed Sleiman Labat, has been shortlisted for the 2024 Circa Prize for their joint work, “Empty Vessels” (2023-24). This prestigious international award, now in its fourth year, aims to spotlight visionary artists shaping our world for the better.

From September 1-30, 2024, “Empty Vessels” will be showcased on London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights and simultaneously broadcast across screens in Berlin and Milan. The collaboration explores New Zealand’s dependence on phosphate rock from Western Sahara, highlighting the ethical implications of resource extraction and its impact on the displaced Sahrawi people.

A distinguished jury, including renowned artists and curators, will select the £30,000 prize winner. An additional £10,000 will be awarded based on public votes, bringing the total prize money to £40,000.

2025 McCahon House Parehuia Artist-in-Residence

Alongside this international recognition, Galloway has been chosen as one of three artists for the prestigious 2025 McCahon House Parehuia residency in New Zealand. This three-month program provides artists with dedicated space and time to develop their practice and engage with the artistic community.

During his residency, Galloway plans to expand on two ongoing projects and create a new moving image work. The artist will utilize Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique resources to produce digital tapestry works related to his data sovereignty research.

About Matthew Galloway

Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch and currently based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Galloway is pursuing a doctoral degree at Elam School of Fine Arts. His interdisciplinary practice, informed by his background in design, encompasses sculpture, installation, film, wall drawings, image and text, and artist books.

Galloway’s work, characterized by its documentarian and historiographic approach, has been widely exhibited in leading contemporary art institutions across New Zealand and internationally. His selection for both the Circa Prize and the McCahon House residency underscores his growing influence in the global art community and his commitment to addressing pressing social and political issues through his practice.

Matthew Galloway is represented by Sumer Fine Art NZ

https://sumer.nz/artists/102-matthew-galloway/overview/