Anderson is a well-known New Zealand artist with a style that has been described as surrealist and she describes her work as allegorical. The macabre is mixed with the beautiful which can surprise the viewer as she juxtaposes contrasting images such as anatomy with bird parts, or religious images with bones and skulls.
The piece she entered for the competition is called Narcissist, an image of the brain.
``As in the past four years, I continue to use anatomy as an inspiration in my work. ``I continue to work largely mixed media techniques, predominantly Indian ink and acrylic on wood.
``My current body of work titled We are all meat renders the anatomy decorative and ostentatious with the intent to enlighten the viewer to the luscious textures and complicated structures within life-size ecorches and organs _ objects to adorn a wall palatably.''
Of the painting, Anderson says: ``The brain signifies the primary seat of consciousness and the emotions.
``Here, a flawed object within a mirror frame. Exposed for a physical encounter _ for therapy to discover the fine line undoubtedly present between some artistic personalities and narcissism.''
Anderson has always been an artist and has worked in galleries throughout New Zealand as well as the US, South Africa and London.
She now works from her studio at home in the Bay of Plenty where she also runs art classes for children.
The Wallace Art Trust Paramount Award was won by Auckland artist Shigeyuki Kihara.
All the finalists' works are on show at the Pah Homestead from today until November 11.
