05/05/2026
š„FROM 787 VOTES - THE WINNER IS!
āØCongratulations to artist LAUREN VAN ROOYEN (Kewdale, WA) who is our 2026 John Villiers Outback Art Prize People Choice Award Winner with artwork āStrength in Stillness.ā Thanks to our sponsor Ros Kavanagh of Elders Insurance Central Queensland and your votes the artist wins $500!
Of the artwork Van Rooyen states -
āThis hand-drawn pencil sketch captures the quiet strength and unwavering courage reflected in the eyes of an Aboriginal child - a strength that resonates deeply with my own experience of immigrating to Australia alone.
The desert background reflects the ancient spirit of the Australian Outback, while also echoing the Namib Desert of my birthplace. Though geographically distant, both landscapes carry stories of resilience, endurance, and identity.
This work explores the power of culture as a source of grounding and strength, particularly when navigating unfamiliar worlds. It reflects on what it means to stand firm in who you are, drawing courage not from similarity, but from difference.ā
Exhibition continues until this Sunday 10 May.
š·Image: 'Strength in Stillness' 2025, Pencil on Paper (Artist's reference image licensed from Shutterstock from original photograph by Vincent Nguyen). Artwork image courtesy of the artist.
The John Villiers Outback Art Prize is generously sponsored by The John Villiers Trust, Winton Shire Council and Ros Kavanagh of Elders Insurance Central Queensland.
