First honorary doctorates for visual artists

A Presence brooch (2006), sterling silver 18ct gold agate, by Larsen and Lewers

TheUniversity of Sydney will award its first honorary Doctor of Visual Arts degrees to four distinguished artists tomorrow.

William Robert (Jim) Allen, Helge Larsen, Darani Lewers, and Guy Wilkie Warren are all being honoured for their creative achievements in the visual arts, as well as their service to education at Sydney College of the Arts.

Professor W. R. 'Jim' Allen was the founding head of the Sydney College of the Arts from 1977-1987. He was a pioneer of post-object art in New Zealand in the 1970's and is widely regarded as the most influential art educator of his generation, both in New Zealand and Australia.

Associate Professor Helge Larsen and Darani Lewers are jointly proposed for the Honorary Degree in recognition of their remarkable collaborative partnership as practitioners in contemporary jewellery. Helge Larsen began a long and distinguished teaching career at SCA from 1977, including positions of senior

Ring by Larsen and Lewers

management and responsibility.

Mr Guy Warren, a senior Australian artist, is recognised for his outstanding creative achievements in the visual arts, his standing in his professional field and in acknowledgement of his founding role as an educator at Sydney College of the Arts.

The honorary degrees will be presented at the Sydney College of the Arts graduation ceremony on Friday 13 April 2007.

Contact: Jennifer Roseman

Phone: 02 9351 1016