2024 Napier Waller Art Prize
This exhibition contains war related material, including references to suicide, confronting language and images which some people may find challenging and disturbing. The views and statements provided by the artists are theirs alone. Viewer discretion is recommended.
2024 is the fifth iteration of the Napier Waller Art Prize, which encourages artistic excellence and raises awareness of the experiences and talent of service personnel. This online exhibition presents the shortlist of 29 works selected by a panel of art professionals from the Australian War Memorial. All shortlisted artists were eligible for the People’s Choice Award, featuring a cash prize of $5,000.
Napier Waller Art Prize Winner 2024
Kat Rae
Deathmin
2023
stacked paper, vinyl, plastic, leather, metal
157 x 30 x 37 cm
Read about the artwork here.
Winner People’s Choice Award 2024
Steven Bostock (Bloor)
The impossible sit-up challenge (2023)
pencil and pen on paper
42 x 60 cm
Read about the artwork here.
This work of art includes confronting content which some people may find challenging and disturbing. The scene depicted includes acts of prohibited hazing or initiation rituals, which are contrary to the Australian Defence Force’s rules. These rules prohibit initiation ceremonies, which amount to unacceptable behaviour, including bullying. The artist refers to the actions depicted as a ‘prank’. However, the work does not depict a prank, rather it includes actions which amount to misconduct.
An exhibition highlighting the 17 works highly commended by the judging panel will be hosted at Australian Parliament House from 10 May to 13 October, 2024.
Judging panel:
- Mr Matt Anderson PSM, Director, Australian War Memorial
- General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, Chief of the Australian Defence Force
- Ms Bree Pickering, Director, National Portrait Gallery
- Ms Penelope Grist OAM, Director, Art Collections, Australian Parliament House
- Ms eX de Medici, former Official War Artist
- Ms Laura Webster, Head of Art, Australian War Memorial