HOBART.- Senior Yankunytjatjara artist Vicki Yatjiki Cullinan has been announced as the winner of the Hadley’s Art Prize 2023, one of Australia’s richest art prizes worth $100,000, for her work Ngayuku Ngura (My Country). The annual acquisitive art prize is awarded to the most outstanding portrayal of the Australian landscape.

Cullinan’s work was selected out of the 30 finalists by an expert judging panel comprising one of Australia’s most acclaimed and awarded artists Wendy Sharpe AM, celebrated Tasmanian artist Milan Milojevic, and artist, curator, writer and Associate Professor at The University of Queensland, Dr Fiona Foley.

Vicki Yatjiki Cullinan, from Indulkana Community in South Australia, has over 20 years of experience in painting, printmaking and drawing. A highly respected leader in her community, Cullinan has in recent years turned her attention to mentoring the next generation of artists in skills development, cultural activities and strong governance, in her role as a director and cultural liaison officer at Iwantja Arts.

Hadley’s Art Prize winner Vicki Yatjiki Cullinan said “I paint my Country, the beautiful and powerful Yankunytjatjara Country that I live on and that will always be a part of me. My painting is connected to the Tjukurpa (Ancestral Stories) that I know, but also my paintings are an extension of who I am, and how I interpret my place in the world.”

The 2023 judging panel said “Cullinan’s work knocked us out at first glance and just kept giving. The longer you look at it, the better it gets. The work does not reveal all its secrets at once. Like the Country, it is vibrant and alive. We were all drawn to Cullinan’s work and find it utterly fascinating. This year’s Hadley’s Art Prize is incredibly high-quality and diverse, with entrants from every state and territory. It was a privilege to spend time with each of the artworks and encourage everyone to visit the Finalists’ Exhibition.

Amy Jackett, Curator of Hadley’s Art Prize said “We are thrilled to award the 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize to Vicki Yatjiki Cullinan, and extend our congratulations to all of this year's finalists. Now in its seventh year, Hadley's Art Prize is built upon a legacy of supporting Australian artists, celebrating excellence in contemporary landscape art with one of the nation’s most generous prizes. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Finalist’s Exhibition at Hadley’s Orient Hotel”.

The $10,000 Hadley’s Residency Prize was awarded to Melissa Kenihan (VIC), and Honourable Mentions were awarded to Joshua Andree (TAS), Patrick Mung Mung (WA), Joan Ross (NSW) and Denise Brady (NT).

The Finalists Exhibition is now open at Hadley's Orient Hotel, Hobart from 22 July – 20 August 2023.

A public program of events and talks will run alongside the exhibition, including a Comedian & Curator Tour with comedian Luke McGregor on 29 July.