ArtRage Medallion winner: Severine Cherry

Image: Severine Cherry, 2024 ArtRage Medallion winner, with her piece Echoes of Identity. Photo: QVMAG.

Year 12 student Severine Cherry from The Friends’ School has been awarded the ArtRage Medallion for her evocative artwork, Echoes of Identity, at the 2024 ArtRage exhibition.

The QVMAG Arts Foundation awards the Medallion to recognise emerging student artists who make a significant contribution to the fine arts in Tasmania. In early April 2025, City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood presented the Medallion to Severine at the Art Gallery at Royal Park. 

Severine’s work Echoes of Identity was additionally awarded a Highly Commended by the Tasmanian Certificate of Education examiners of the Art Studio Practice subject. This compelling body of work follows on from her Year 11 piece Jewel Beetles, which was selected for ArtRage 2023 and also received a Highly Commended award. 

Severine’s work delves into the sentimental power of objects and how they shape our identities across generations. “The artwork explores the objects from my life that have great meaning and memories attached to them,” she said. “My mum and nonna came from the former Yugoslavia with few objects, so surrounding themselves with meaningful things helped them feel at home.

"That filtered into my life—I realised how much I value these objects. Not for what they’re worth monetarily, but for what they represent: family, culture, and creativity. I’m really proud to look at it now.”

Being selected for ArtRage once is an achievement—so, being selected twice with a Highly Commended piece, as well as receiving the ArtRage Medallion, is rare and deeply meaningful. “It means the world to be included, let alone to win the Medallion,” Severine said. “You put your heart and soul into your work, and it’s a real honour to be recognised. It’s also wonderful to share it with the broader community—my family, my colleagues, everyone I care about.”

Image: Severine celebrates her award with her mother, Lorenz. Photo: QVMAG.

For Severine’s mother, Lorenz, the recognition is the continuation of a journey she’s witnessed since Severine was very small. “She started drawing so young—I remember putting three circles on a page, and she turned them into portraits of herself, me, and her father. And you could clearly see he was older.

"By the time she was three, she was already drawing lions, and you could see exactly what they were. I always knew there was a little artist in her. She used to get upset that her drawings weren’t as good as mine—I’d say, ‘Severine, you’re four! You’ll surpass me.’ And she has.

"It’s what you hope for as a parent—to watch your child grow and bloom. It’s been beautiful to be part of that.”

Severine’s art teacher, Hamish Hall, has taught her over the past two years and says her work is not only technically strong, but emotionally resonant. “In Year 11 she created a series of tremendous bug sculptures using ceramics, resin, and acrylic paint—which were selected for ArtRage too," he said. "But her Year 12 work is on another level, revealing parts of herself through each sculpture.

"It’s thoughtful, beautifully made, and entirely her own. They're just incredible. She's a well-deserving recipient of this award.”

Image: QVMAG Arts Foundation chair Susi Reid, The Friends School art teacher Hamish Hall, City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood, and Arts Foundation winner Severine Cherry. Photo: QVMAG.

Hamish has a long-standing connection to ArtRage himself—first selected as a student in 2002 and again in 2004, he’s been involved with the exhibition for more than two decades. “It’s always been a showcase of the best young artists in the state," he said. "I’ve also been an examiner for the past ten years. It’s such a privilege to be part of it."

Hamish is equally humble about his role in Severine’s journey. “I was more like the bumpers in a bowling alley—just keeping her on track when needed. What she’s achieved is all down to her talent, her persistence, and how much time and care she puts in. It goes so far beyond what’s required for the course.”

Severine agreed: “Hamish is an incredible teacher. He doesn’t just teach you how to make art—he teaches you how to make something that means something and communicates its purpose. Even my mum says she’s learned from the things I’ve brought home from his class.”

Looking ahead, Severine is now studying business at UTAS, but says art will always be part of her life. “My mum’s an artist too, and we’ve talked about doing exhibitions together and continuing to collaborate. I’d love to one day run my own business in something like management or marketing, but art is something I’ll never leave behind—it’s a huge part of who I am.”

For 30 years, ArtRage has showcased the immense talent and thoughtfulness of Tasmania’s young artists. Through her heartfelt and beautifully crafted work, Severine Cherry continues a tradition of excellence—while making it entirely her own.

ArtRage 2024 is currently on display at the Art Gallery at Royal Park until 27 April 2025.

Severine Cherry, Echoes of Identity, 2024. 0.8m x 5m, cardboard and glue.
ArtRage Medallion winner
Examiners' Choice - Highly Commended