Perth artist Sam Bloor has been awarded the prestigious City of Joondalup's 2025 Invitation Art Prize, earning $25,000 for his groundbreaking artwork "Chance Encounter." The announcement was made during the launch of the 2025 Invitation Art Prize exhibition and the official opening of the new Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery on Boas Avenue.
"Chance Encounter" represents a unique contemporary art project that invites viewers to participate by calling random payphone numbers and engaging in conversations free from the usual social constraints of appearance, political alignment, or existing social circles. The innovative installation transforms traditional communication methods into an immersive artistic experience that challenges conventional social interactions.
The judging panel praised Bloor's work extensively, describing it as "a poetic and cinematic installation" that they believe will maintain a lasting connection to Joondalup. "Comprised of individual components, this assemblage is both timeless, as well as marking this particular moment in time," the judges stated. "Chance encounters, mystery chats and elements of the unknown frame the experience of the work, which invites participation from audiences as collaborators, tapping into our need for connection to each other."
The judges further emphasized the work's evolving nature, noting that "within the context of the Joondalup Collection, the work will evolve and shift in its meaning over time, for audiences now and into the future." This dynamic quality distinguishes Bloor's installation from traditional static artworks, creating an ongoing dialogue between the piece and its participants.
Bloor brings extensive experience to this achievement, with his artwork having been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions both nationally and internationally. His notable exhibitions include "Totem in Tribute" (2016, Edinburgh, UK), appearances at the Fremantle Biennale in both 2019 and 2023, and participation in the Rotterdam Photo Festival (2019, Netherlands). His artistic credentials are further strengthened by a major public work commission for the 2022 Perth Festival.
The artist's recognition extends beyond exhibitions, having won multiple prestigious awards including the Fremantle Print Award in 2019 and the Rockingham Art Award in 2024. His works have been acquired by various private, public, and institutional collections, including the renowned Art Gallery of Western Australia, demonstrating the broad appeal and significance of his artistic vision.
"Chance Encounter" will join the city's permanent art collection alongside previous Invitation Art Prize winners, ensuring its preservation for future generations. City of Joondalup CEO James Pearson highlighted the prize's significance, describing it as "one of the city's major longstanding highlights on the cultural calendar" and "a celebration of Western Australia's professional visual arts community, and a reflection of Joondalup's commitment to supporting and showcasing artistic excellence."
The 2025 competition attracted 142 entries, which were carefully narrowed down to 10 outstanding artists selected by an expert panel. The shortlisted artists included Tom Blake, Sam Bloor, Bruno Booth, Erin Coates, Sarah Elson, Tim Meakins, Sherry Quiambao, Andy Quilty, Anna Louise Richardson, and Tyrown Waigana, representing a diverse range of artistic styles and approaches.
Since its establishment in 1998, the Invitation Art Prize has recognized more than 700 artists working across various disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, jewelry, animation, photography, and film. Pearson noted that "each artist has been commissioned to produce a new body of work, and the results are bold, thoughtful, and deeply engaging."
The 2025 Invitation Art Prize exhibition opened on Thursday, October 16, and will run until Saturday, December 13, at the Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery. The exhibition is free to attend, with the gallery open Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the popular choice award by voting for their favorite artwork, with the winner receiving a $500 cash prize to be announced after the exhibition closes in December.
