Artist: Virginia Ward Work: Bread Winner (1999) Location: Kellerberrin, Western Australia
During her short stay at IASKA, Perth artist Virginia Ward created an exhibition that focussed on environmental and social issues relating to modern farming practices in the Wheatbelt. One of the works consisted of a bowl made from 160 loaves of sliced bread. The bread sliced were dried, stacked and carved, with the inner edges painted in colours that alluded to the pesticides and other toxic chemical used in modern farming.
About the artist: Exhibiting over 20 years, Virginia Ward’s works have been shown in many world exhibitions, from the USA, UK to the Philippines and China. Her work is represented in many publications, catalogues and articles.
She attained a Master of Fine Art Sculpture, Victoria College of the Arts, 1990, Bachelor of Fine Art Sculpture, Curtin University, Western Australia, 1986, and Diploma in Sculpture, Claremont College of Fine Arts, Western Australia, 1982. She is currently completing a Doctor of Creative Art at Curtin University, Western Australia.
Her work is represented in major collections including Art Gallery of Western Australia, Kerry Stokes Collection, Lawrence Wilson Gallery (University of Western Australia), ANZ Bank (Victoria). There have been major exhibitions in Australia, including three at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (1995 One Hundred Years, 1996 Vernacular Signs, 1998 War Toys). She taught sculpture at Curtin University for 10 years.