It can be the "hanger's curse" - how the Hanger's Choice award is almost always a polar opposite to what the judges choose for the Glover Prize.
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But few could argue that NSW artist Seabastion Toast's piece Surfers are the Worst (Shipsterns Bluff) was undeserving of the recognition bestowed upon it by the hangers on Wednesday.
"It's remote, wild, rough," hanger Stewart Ralph said.
"We quite like the energy … there is a real dynamism to the piece.
"The atmosphere, too, appealed to us. It's been related in the outside landscape of Shipsterns Bluff, and the inside landscape of the painter."
While hanging the 41 finalists in the Falls Park Pavilion in Evandale, hangers had the first opportunity to enjoy the pieces that will contribute to Australia's most prestigious landscape art prize.
Mr Ralph said a theme of seaside landscapes had emerged, and there was a trend to more conservative pieces and less controversy.
There was also an increase in Tasmanian and emerging artists compared to previous years.
The 2019 Glover Prize winner will be announced on Friday night, and the exhibition will be open to the public from March 9 to 17.
For more information visit www.johnglover.com.au