Awarding Artistic Excellence
The 2025 Gallipoli Art Prize has been awarded to Australian artist Andrew Tomkins for his striking mixed media work, HMAS Karangi.
The Gallipoli Art Prize is an annual award presented by the Gallipoli Memorial Club to recognize the artistic excellence of Australian artists in reflecting the enduring values of loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship embodied in the spirit of the Gallipoli Campaign. The award carries a $20,000 acquisitive prize. A Tribute to the Past
Tomkins’ winning piece captures the haunting remains of the HMAS Karangi, a World War II boom defence vessel now resting quietly in Sydney’s Homebush Bay. The vessel played a significant role in defending Darwin Harbour during the Japanese bombing of 1942 and later supported nuclear testing in the Montebello Islands before being decommissioned. The artist’s mixed media work, HMAS Karangi, is rendered using a unique method of drawing and painting on translucent polyester, then cutting and layering the surface in a process influenced by socialist woodcuts and stencil street art. The work is a powerful tribute to the personnel who sailed on the vessel, and Tomkins’ intention is to create a graphic picture of a more peaceful world, free from conflict and turmoil. A Commendation for Artistic Merit
The judging panel, comprising Jane Watters, Barry Pearce, Elizabeth Fortescue, and John Robertson, commended Tomkins’ thoughtful tribute to the themes of memory, transformation and peace in turbulent times. The panel praised the artist’s ability to convey the complexity of the human experience through his work. A Highly Commended Work
Wayne Davis’ dynamic oil painting, Lighthorse Section, was highly commended by the judges. The work celebrates the trust and unity between riders and horses in the Australian Light Horse Regiment, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of those involved. Exhibition on Display
The 2025 Gallipoli Art Prize exhibition will be held from 17 April to 11 May at 6-8 Atherden Street, The Rocks, Sydney. The exhibition will showcase the works of the finalists, providing an opportunity for viewers to engage with the artistic excellence on display. Supporting the Arts
Lori Pensini’s painting, Bare Earth, has won the $50,000 Collie Art Prize for 2025. Pensini’s work explores the struggles of rural farmers in drought, providing a powerful commentary on the human experience. The Collie Art Prize is a significant award that recognizes the artistic excellence of Australian artists in reflecting the values of the rural community. Rosemary Lee’s intricately detailed coloured pencil work has won the 24th Dobell Drawing Prize for 2025. Lee’s work explores gentrification, providing a nuanced commentary on the changing landscape of urban Australia. The Dobell Drawing Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes the artistic excellence of Australian artists in drawing. On the Couch
Lydia Cowpertwait, director of Sanderson Contemporary, is making a bold statement in the art market with her commitment to supporting female artists. Cowpertwait’s vision is to create a platform for women artists to showcase their work, providing a voice for the often-underrepresented demographic. “Cowpertwait said of the importance of supporting female artists in the art market: “The female art market is a diverse and vibrant sector, yet it continues to be dominated by men. We need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women artists, and provide them with the opportunities to succeed.”
A Call to Action
The art world must recognize the importance of supporting female artists and providing them with the opportunities to succeed. The art market must also continue to promote artistic excellence and recognize the contributions of artists from all backgrounds. By promoting artistic excellence and supporting female artists, the art world can create a more inclusive and diverse community. The Gallipoli Art Prize, the Collie Art Prize, and the Dobell Drawing Prize are just a few examples of the many awards that recognize the artistic excellence of Australian artists. By supporting these awards and promoting artistic excellence, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive art community. Final Thoughts
The 2025 Gallipoli Art Prize, the Collie Art Prize, and the Dobell Drawing Prize are just a few examples of the many awards that recognize the artistic excellence of Australian artists. The art world must continue to recognize the importance of supporting female artists and providing them with the opportunities to succeed. Awards List
| Prize | Winner | Medium | Exhibition Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallipoli Art Prize | Andrew Tomkins | Mixed media | 17 April – 11 May |
| Collie Art Prize | Lori Pensini | Painting | Announced |
| Dobell Drawing Prize | Rosemary Lee | Coloured pencil drawing | Announced |
About the Gallipoli Art Prize
The Gallipoli Art Prize is an annual award presented by the Gallipoli Memorial Club to recognize the artistic excellence of Australian artists in reflecting the enduring values of loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship embodied in the spirit of the Gallipoli Campaign. About the Collie Art Prize
The Collie Art Prize is a significant award that recognizes the artistic excellence of Australian artists in reflecting the values of the rural community. The prize carries a $50,000 acquisitive prize. About the Dobell Drawing Prize
The Dobell Drawing Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes the artistic excellence of Australian artists in drawing. The prize carries a $30,000 acquisitive prize. Supporting the Arts
The Gallipoli Art Prize, the Collie Art Prize, and the Dobell Drawing Prize are just a few examples of the many awards that recognize the artistic excellence of Australian artists. Conclusion
The art world must recognize the importance of supporting female artists and providing them with the opportunities to succeed.