The graphite drawing (pictured) by Wanaka artist P. William, aka Paul McLachlan, is entitled Class Precariat — the word precariat a relatively new term used to define a social class living a precarious existence because of unpredictable incomes and a lack of job security, and which includes artists.
"It is often referred to as the ‘dangerous class’, because its insecurities and inequalities induce bitterness, ill mental and physical health, and anger," McLachlan said.
The painting earned McLachlan the $10,000 first prize.
The $2000 runner-up prize went to New Zealand-based Korean artist Ki Hyun Kim for his painting Morning on Sunday Market.
The $2000 landscape prize went to Queenstown artist Priscilla Clair for her painting Matukituki 2.
The competition is an annual fundraiser for the Holy Family Catholic School, and was judged by Dunedin Public Art Gallery curators Lucy Hammonds and Lauren Gutsell.
