Capel's Val Hornibrook wins Oceania Award for Mandurah's Wearable Art Competition

Ms Hornibrook won the first place prize for the ‘Oceania’ category, presented by the Sebel Mandurah, for her piece titled ‘Coral Bleaching’. 

Her artwork was one of only 40 handmade garments showcased during the performances, which were chosen from 114 entries as part of the Wearable Art Mandurah competition.

She was one of just 12 winners across the different categories, including international entries from Romania, Switzerland and New Zealand, and nationally from Alice Springs, Darwin, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland.

Ms Hornibrook said she was motivated by the terrifying and pressing aspects of climate change to make her mesmerising ‘Coral Bleaching’ piece

“My inspiration came from the devastating images of the bleached coral caused by global warming,” she said.

“The increased temperatures of the oceans has had a catastrophic effect on the reefs, not only on the Australian coastline but worldwide.

“The impact of prolonged rising water temperatures and the corals’ inability to cope, it expels the living algae in its tissues, and causes it to turn completely white which results in what is known as coral bleaching.”

First introduced in 2011, the Wearable Art Showcase Mandurah presents spectacular wearable creations in a highly entertaining stage performance, complete with professional theatre, dance and music.

Two incredible performances recently took centre stage on June 10 and 11 to sell out crowds who enjoyed the extravagant, revolutionary, provocative creations on the body.

WATCH: Judging day from the Wearable Art Mandurah Showcase 2017. Video by Bright Yellow Productions.

City of Mandurah deputy Mayor Darren Lee said the Showcases were a feast for the senses.

“From the incredible garments, the lighting, the music, to the dancers and performers, Wearable Art Mandurah delighted the crowds, and keeps getting better and better year after year,” he said.

“The City is proud to present such an event that nurtures and encourages local artistic talents and those from afar. We have some outstanding artists and designers in our community and beyond, and it’s great to see their hard work showcased and promoted in this way.

“Congratulations to the designers, the models, the dancers, the organisers, sponsors and everyone behind the scenes for putting this amazing event together.”

A selection of the garments from the Showcase will now be exhibited at the Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery and Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM) from August 4 to September 3.