The National Art School (NAS) announced the 56 finalists for the 24th Dobell Drawing Prize, Australia’s premier award for contemporary drawing. The prestigious biennial prize is worth $30,000, and celebrates the evolution of drawing as an essential medium in contemporary art, recognising technique, creativity and innovation.
The finalists were selected by a panel of esteemed experts comprising acclaimed First Nations artist Vernon Ah Kee, Paula Latos-Valier AM, Trustee and Art Director of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, and Dr Yolunda Hickman, Head of Postgraduate Studies, National Art School.
The finalists, selected from a competitive 965 entries, represent an exciting cross-section of established, mid and early-career artists. Among the shortlisted artists are Michael Bell, Osvaldo Budet, Tom Carment, Maryanne Coutts, Martin King, Brian Martin, Nadia Odlum, Agus Wijaya, Yvette Hamilton, Esther Erlich, Rosemary Lee and Chesca Athas.
The works span a diverse range of media including charcoal, coloured pencil, clay, video, and LED – and even human hair. Entries reflect urgent contemporary concerns, including social dynamics, environmental care, and the impacts of climate change and colonisation.