Cian Yakas plays his cards right, wins 2023 youth art prize

Fifteen young local artists have been recognised with awards at the closing of a Murray Bridge Regional Gallery exhibition.

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Cian Yakas poses with his prize-winning artwork, 6 of Spades. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

A galleon sails on a moonlit ocean, tossed about by the waves as lightning flashes in the distance.

Zoom out: the striking image is contained within the borders of a single playing card, framed and displayed on a wall at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery.

Its creator, local artist Cian Yakas, walked away with $1000 after Six of Spades was named the major winner at the gallery’s Youth Art Prize on Sunday.

Judge Monte Masi said he had been immediately drawn to the work because of its crisp line work, detail and use of space.

“I love the sense of gravity at play here, the tipping of the ship and the compositional weight of the deck of cards,” he said.

“There’s terrific skill … but there’s also a very appealing concept that is well resolved.”

Not bad for a playing card Yakas said he had found while doing parkour in Adelaide.

Artists Abbey Morrison, Mitchell Kohlhagen and Sienna Montgomery-Pittaway show off their works. Photos: Peri Strathearn.

Several dozen people packed the gallery for the announcement of 17 prizes at the closing of the annual exhibition, and a performance by local band Exit Plan.

Among the other winners were:

• People’s choice award: Autumn Rea, Victor Harbor HS, Solace; second Keelie Baker, Circus fun; third Jade Czukli, Mitcham Girls HS, My mum

• 21-25 years old: Max Carter, Sunset on Hayman; second Abbey Morrison, Assorted colours; third Chelsea Thompson, Moonlit dreams

• 18-20 years old: Sienna Montgomery-Pittaway, Adelaide College of Arts, Inside my mind; second Ruby Whyatt, Fatigue; third Cian Yakas, Star gaze

• 15-17 years old: Mitchell Kohlhagen, Cornerstone College, Watched; second Florence Thumlert, Unity College, Propelled; third Zoe Hawkes, Unity College, Untitled

• 12-14 years old: Simonne Pearson, Murray Bridge HS, A foggy drive; second Ivy Hartland, Birdwood HS, Iris; third Keelie Baker, Beneath the surface

• Best compassionate depiction of an animal: Alex Czukli, Mitcham Girls HS, Alfie

Chelsea Thompson, Max Carter and Keelie Baker pose with their artworks. Photos: Peri Strathearn.

Director Fulvia Mantelli said the youth art prize was one of the most important exhibitions on the gallery’s calendar.

“It’s critical to listen to young people about the world we live in and how we live in it,” she said.

“The works … are always so insightful, so honest and so incredibly generous.”

More than 450 votes were cast for the people’s choice award this year, despite the exhibition being a little smaller than usual.

Ms Mantelli suggested it would return to its usual October-November time slot, which fit in more easily with school students’ schedules, in 2024.

Detail from Cian Yakas’ 6 of Spades. Photo: Peri Strathearn.