See the best of NZ's cutting edge contemporary art at TheNewDowse from late November, when the the winners and finalists in the country's richest, longest running and most provocative contemporary art awards go on display. Fifty-seven artworks from the 16th Annual Wallace Art Awards will be in the exhibition, including works by the Paramount Winner James Robinson and Development Award winner Lianne Edwards.

Image: Taniwha Dragon (detail), James Robinson, 2007The exhibition also features the work of runners-up Kirsten Roberts and Andrea Du Chatenier and Jury Prize winner Megan Jenkinson.

Utilising all variety of materials from human teeth to stamps, beer to hand-dyed wool, and featuring a set of beehives made of bubble-gum sitting on a carpet of fresh mud, the finalists' pieces give viewers the chance to glimpse some of the edgy, provocative work being produced by contemporary NZ sculptors, photographers and painters.

"We're really excited to host the Awards," says TheNewDowse director Tim Walker. "The show includes a really invigorating diversity of media and subject matter. The works looked amazing at the Aotea Centre in Auckland but the presentation that's possible in a professional gallery setting like ours will provide the best opportunity to view and really appreciate these works."

The Wallace Art Awards were established in 1991. They provide new emerging and established artists the chance to win international residencies and cash prizes as well as giving them national exposure as part of the travelling exhibition.

When: 29 November 2007 - 30 March 2008
Where: Wallace Gallery of the Wallace Wing, TheNewDowse, 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

25/10/07