Enduring collaboration wins national art prize
Winning work honours significant Pintupi artist
In 1984, two artists began journeys that would eventually bring their creative worlds together.
Kumanjayi (Walala) Tjapaltjarri (c. 1962–2026) and his family, known as the Pintupi Nine, arrived at the remote Western Australian community of Kiwirrkurra after living a traditional nomadic life in the Western Desert.
That same year, Michael Eather travelled across Australia from Hobart, passing through Alice Springs before reaching Maningrida, where he started his own family.
Both went on to build independent artistic practices. Their paths later came together through art, beginning a creative connection that would span more than 25 years.
Now their collaborative artwork, We are still creating ourselves II, has received the Major Prize in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026.
The $25,000 acquisitive prize was awarded after the recent passing of Tjapaltjarri, a highly significant Pintupi artist whose distinctive work is held in collections across Australia and internationally.
Through layered pattern, line and colour, We are still creating ourselves II brings two distinct artistic languages into conversation.
Tjapaltjarri’s bold, graphic interpretations of the Tingari Cycle meet Eather’s symbolic narratives of maps, stingrays and portals, creating an interconnected landscape that explores imagination, place and belonging across cultures and geography.
The work will now enter the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, ensuring the story of this enduring collaboration can be experienced by the community for generations to come.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the winning work celebrated artistic excellence, human connection and the power of sustained creative exchange.
“This remarkable artwork holds more than 25 years of shared creativity, trust and artistic exploration,” Mayor Natoli said.
“It honours Tjapaltjarri’s extraordinary legacy while celebrating the enduring creative connection he built with Eather.
“What makes this collaboration so special is that each artist’s voice remains strong and distinct, yet together they have created something deeply connected and compelling.
“Our Council is proud that this important work will enter the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, where its story can continue to connect with our community and inspire future generations.”
View the winning artwork at Caloundra Regional Gallery.
Local artist wins people’s hearts
Sunshine Coast artist Zartisha Davis received the $2,500 People’s Choice Award for Movement and flow, the artwork that resonated most strongly with exhibition visitors.
A proud Kabi Kabi, Cobble Cobble and Butchulla artist, Davis creates work grounded in culture, family and Saltwater stories.
Her painting, Movement and flow, captures the timeless rhythms of Sea Country and the enduring relationship between land and sea.
Its repeated forms reference shell middens, which hold stories of generations gathering, sharing food and caring for Country.
The community’s choice celebrates Davis’s distinctive contemporary practice and the strength of creative talent here on the Sunshine Coast.
People's Choice winner Zartisha Davis with Cr David Law and guest judge Rhana Devenport ONZM
The breadth of national talent celebrated
Sydney artist Jessica DiCosta received the Highly Commended Award for her compelling video work KOMA.
Gradually unfolding, KOMA observes a small town transformed by gentrification, exploring the resilience of place and what remains as communities change.
Brisbane artist Louella Michael received the Artist Residency Award for Untitled experience, a textile artwork instilled with wit and care.
Untitled experience turns a hand-crocheted QR code into an interactive portal that shifts our attention between online and physical worlds, questioning what we gain and give up for instant connection.
This year’s winners were selected by guest judge Rhana Devenport ONZM, who said the sheer diversity of artistic expression in Australia today is vividly expressed in this year’s Prize.
“First Nations voices are ever present in video and painting in an exploration of culture and Country, while the concerns of our time – ranging from the resilience and beauty of nature to the legacy of bushfires, and from the intimacy of familial and community relationships to social protest – offer compelling insights,” Ms Devenport said.
“I was particularly impressed with the diversity of media by the artists including a distinct and innovative surge in textiles.
“Collectively, the 4 winning works – the expansive collaborative painting by Kumanjayi (Walala) Tjapaltjarri and Michael Eather, the beautiful painting by Zartisha Davis, the mesmeric film by Jessica Di Costa and the wry, crocheted QR code of Louella Michael along with the other exhibited works – demonstrates the imaginative power that art gifts to today’s world.”
The Prize offers the winning artists recognition, resources and space to experiment, develop their practice and take their creative work in exciting new directions.
See the winners before the exhibition closes
The 4 winning artists are among 40 talented finalists selected from entries across Australia.
The works cover creative mediums including painting, photography, drawing, textiles and moving image, exploring a range of themes that are both playful and reflective.
The free exhibition continues for two more weeks, until Sunday 11 October.
Caloundra Regional Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and weekends from 10am to 2pm.
Located in the heart of Caloundra’s cultural precinct, visitors can combine their visit to the Gallery with nearby Library+ Caloundra, cafés, shops, playgrounds and stunning Kings Beach.
You can browse a helpful accessibility guide to ‘know before you go’.
Visit the Gallery’s website to plan your visit.
Thank you to our sponsors
The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize, established in 2006, is the region’s premier contemporary art award.
The Prize is made possible through the generosity of its sponsors and supporters, who commit each year to enrich this cultural event.
The contribution of major funding partner, Argon Law, is particularly significant, with 7 years of sponsorship to date.
Local philanthropists, the De Deyne family, are also longtime supporters, contributing to the Prize since its inception.
This year’s sponsors and supporters:
- Major Prize, $25,000, sponsored by Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council
- Highly Commended Award, $5,000, sponsored by the De Deyne family
- People’s Choice Award, $2,500, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
- artist residency accommodation sponsored by Montville Country Cabins
- artist residency vehicle supplied by Coastline BMW
- artwork transport and logistics supported by International Art Services (IAS).
For further information about the Prize, visit the Gallery’s website.