2026 Tim Olsen Drawing Prize
Finalists
Aaron Kennedy, Angela Sung, Claire Sargent, Coco Carey, Diya Rao, Eden Hobbs, Elana Manti, Eric Kang, Gemma Anderson, Irfan Eken, Jessie Varde, Liam Sinha, Liana Vija Berzins, Linda Dao, Lucy Andrews, Maddison Kay, Mia Dimackie, Nell Maley, Scarlett Stockdale-Linke, Todd Fuller, Toni Tait.
Judges
Joan Ross, Artist, Alum
Dr Tim Gregory, Senior Lecturer, School of Art & Design, Alum
Prizes
2026 Tim Olsen Drawing Prize: Liam Sinha
Liam Sinha received the 2026 Tim Olsen Drawing Prize for their work Crux. Clay. Paper. Bark (Melaleuca feralisargilla).
The judges commend the work for its ambition and material sensitivity.
They said, "there is a subtle use of simple, basic, raw elements that demonstrate a sophisticated application of colour and texture. There is an emotional warmth, earthiness and tactility that pervades the surface all the way through to the bark-like backing. It has a weight and flow that is both fragile and timeless."
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Photograph: Anna Kucera
highly commended: Nell Maley
Nell Maley was highly commended for their work the breeze will kill me.
The judges commend the work for its subtly and interiority.
They said, "the work combines disparate elements and different paper into a whole that generates a strong affective response."
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Photograph: Anna Kucera
highly commended: Eden Hobbs
Eden Hobbs was highly commended for their work Two Birds.
The judges commend the work for its complexity, confidence in mark, colour and use of mix media.
They said, "it effectively reflects contradictory contemporary life. There is a playfulness in style and presentation that brings nuance to the strong narratives."
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Photograph: Anna Kucera
highly commended: Toni Tait
Toni Tait was highly commended for their work PIPE KING.
The judges commend the work for its material confidence and simplicity.
They said, "it has a strong site specificity combined with a scale that is both grand and intimate. The judges liked the way it hugged the window, as if grafting onto the structure of the gallery."
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Photograph: Anna Kucera
Content warning: Some of the artworks in this exhibition engage with themes and imagery that could cause discomfort or be triggering for some.
Finalists
All photographs: Anna Kucera
Acknowledgement of Country
UNSW School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
