Media Release. Auckland, 11 April 2017
CHROMA ART AWARDS 2017 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners of the biennial Chroma Art Awards, honouring excellence in the creative fields of illustration, comic art, animation and video games, were announced
during a special celebration at the Aotea Centre in Auckland last Saturday evening.
A highlight of the Chromacon Indie Arts Festival, the Awards acknowledge the talent of Aotearoa’s leading and emerging
independent creators - from a competition open to artists of all ages and backgrounds. Prizes include $500 in cash for
each category winner and gift packs from the sponsors.
This year’s independent panel of industry experts and community leaders judged the entrants based on originality;
innovation; technical skill and effective use of their chosen medium to communicate themes, mood and narrative.
JOSEPH QIU – ILLUSTRATION CATEGORY WINNER
An award winning illustrator who was born in China, Joseph Qiu showed his passion in drawing from the age of four. He has been working as a freelance illustration after completing his
degree in graphic design. Joseph specializes in book covers, magazines, newspapers and advertising campaigns. www.chromacon.co.nz/gallery/joseph-qiu/
MARC CONACO – COMIC ART WINNER
Marc Conaco is an Auckland based illustrator and graphic designer. He is on a mission to get to know his pre-colonial self better by
drawing inspiration from his own culture and heritage. He has interested in Philippine indigenous mythology, tattoo
culture and traditional writing system called Baybayin. www.chromacon.co.nz/gallery/marc-conaco/
NED WENLOCK (for Spring Jam) – ANIMATION WINNER
Ned Wenlock’s Spring Jam was an immediate hit at the New Zealand International Film Festival 2016. He creates intricate animated films and
illustrations from his home in Paekakariki. After ten years as a graphic designer, Ned turned his attention to directing
animation for music videos, short films, and commercials. www.oneedo.com/
DINOSAUR POLO CLUB (for Mini Metro) – VIDEO GAMES WINNER
Dinosaur Polo Club is a Wellington-based videogames studio that works on creating concise, meaningful and relatable experiences in an
effort to bring interactive experiences to life. www.chromacon.co.nz/gallery/dinosaur-polo-club/
2017’s lineup of sponsors include: The Wallace Foundation; Garage Project; Media Design School; ArtRage and Auckland
Live.
Ends