A painting highlighting Australia’s housing crisis has topped hundreds of entries to win the Sunshine Coast’s main art prize.
Dream house with a galah, by Brisbane’s David Wells, was the 20th winner of the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize Major Prize, worth $25,000. The work has been permanently included in the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli hailed the acrylic-on-canvas piece, and the array of nominations.
“This extraordinary work was one of 40 finalists selected from more than 460 entries from artists across Australia,” she said.
The painting’s description stated that it is “a reflection on the housing crisis, set against the backdrop of an abandoned luxury home”.
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“Once a symbol of success and exclusivity, the house now stands empty – its swimming pool unused, its walls and windows marked by graffiti, signs of both neglect and resistance,” it said.
“Faceless statues stand as silent guardians, evoking the dehumanising forces – bureaucracy, greed, policy failure – that gatekeep access to housing for many.
“Perched on one statue, a lone galah is part clown and part witness, a small act of absurdity and resilience amidst decay. Bright orange stripes – suggestive of security laser beams – represent fractures in the system including broken promises, social disparity, and structural failure.
“This work invites viewers to consider who is excluded, what is protected, and why homes are treated as commodities instead of rights.”
Several other awards were presented and Cr Natoli praised the efforts of all artists.
“The standard was incredibly high: something I encourage everyone to see for themselves in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery,” the mayor said.
“The work that captured the community, and a clear favourite in the People’s Choice award, was Seabastion Toast’s The River House.”
“It’s always fascinating to see which artwork connects most deeply with our community and Seabastion’s piece, with its vibrant colour and playful themes, clearly resonated.
“This year marked two wonderful milestones: the 20th artwork to be added to the Sunshine Coast Art Collection through the Prize, and the gallery’s 25th anniversary – achievements made possible thanks to the ongoing and generous support of our sponsors.
“For anyone who hasn’t seen the exhibition yet, it is a must-do visit before it closes on October 12.”
The Highly Commended Award went to Sam Harrison with Born Here, From There and the Artist Residency Award went to Naomi Hobson with Rare.
The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize was made possible thanks to supporters.
The Major Prize of $25,000 was sponsored by Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council, the Highly Commended Award of $5000 was sponsored by the De Deyne Family, the People’s Choice Award: $2500 was sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, the Artist residency accommodation was supported by Montville Country Cabins, the Artist residency vehicle was supported by Coastline BMW, the Artwork transport and logistics was supported by International Art Services (IAS) and the Exhibition catalogue was sponsored by Friends, Regional Gallery, Caloundra.
The exhibition will be held at Caloundra Regional Gallery until October 12. The gallery is an accessible space, at 22 Omrah Avenue, and is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends.
