Artists across Tasmania are being encouraged to pick up their brushes—and a sturdy pair of gloves—for what might just be the world’s most unusual art competition. The Pooseum in Richmond is now accepting entries for its second annual “Poo-tastic Tasmanian Paint Off,” where artistic expression meets the call of nature in ways most galleries wouldn’t dare imagine.
This year’s theme, “Expressive Portraits: Faces with Faeces,” challenges both professional and amateur artists to capture personality and emotion using animal dung as their primary medium. The competition, open to Tasmanian artists aged 16 and over, offers enticing prizes: $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third. Winning entries will earn a permanent spot in the country’s only science museum dedicated entirely to animal faeces.
The Origins of a Unique Art Form
The announcement comes as the Pooseum continues to push boundaries in the art world. Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 60 entries, with artist Karen Lyttle taking out top honors for her work “Crap Wallpaper,” a patterned piece crafted with pademelon poo. Her creation was praised for symbolizing “the endless cycle of feeding, digestion, defecation, nutrient absorption into the soil and regrowth.”
According to the museum’s director, the competition aims to challenge societal norms and perceptions of waste, turning something often considered repulsive into a medium for creativity and conversation. “We want to see how artists can transform something as mundane as animal dung into a profound statement,” she explained.
Guidelines and Judging Criteria
Artists must work exclusively with animal faeces on paper surfaces, and organizers stress that human waste is strictly prohibited. Entries will be judged on creativity, interpretation of the theme, and artistic quality by a panel of judges and public voting. Registrations open in September, with entries due in early October. Shortlisted artworks will go on display from November 26 to December 7, with the winners announced on December 8.
“The competition is not just about shock value; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what we consider art,” said one of the judges, a renowned Tasmanian artist.
Historical Parallels and Future Implications
This development follows a long history of unconventional materials being used in art. From Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain” to Chris Ofili’s elephant dung paintings, artists have often used unexpected mediums to challenge the status quo. The Pooseum’s competition represents a continuation of this tradition, encouraging artists to explore the intersection of nature and creativity.
Meanwhile, the competition also raises questions about sustainability and environmental awareness. By using animal waste as a medium, artists are inadvertently highlighting issues of waste management and ecological cycles. This aspect of the competition could inspire broader discussions about how art can contribute to environmental consciousness.
Looking Ahead
As the Pooseum gears up for its second year, the anticipation is palpable among local artists and the broader community. The event not only offers a platform for artistic expression but also serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie in the natural world.
With the competition set to grow in popularity, the Pooseum hopes to attract international attention, potentially inspiring similar events worldwide. For now, Tasmanian artists are ready to embrace the challenge, armed with creativity, courage, and a unique medium that promises to turn heads and open minds.
