Judges floored by quality of works shortlisted for print award

Marian Crawford, MauriceO'Riordan and Gemma Weston had the difficult task of judging the more than 50 shortlised entries that had been whittled down from almost 300, with entries including local names such as Lev Vykopal, Colin Story and Alessandra Rossi. City of Fremantle art collection curator Andrew Lipscombe said the award was now in its 40th year. The winner goes home with $16,000 and their piece will be added to the city's collection.

"Established in 1976, the FAC Print Award has always encouraged innovation in the medium, charting the incorporation of new technologies from the use of photocopiers to digital printers," he said.

"Since the 1970s, printmaking has surpassed the concept of the original print, becoming an integral part of contemporary art practice and essential element of our digital culture where mass production and consumption of imagery is the norm."

The winner will be announced on September 24.

An exhibition of the prints is on from September 25 to November 15 at Fremantle Arts Centre.