LITERALLY. 2026 - FINALIST - Queen's Wharf Brisbane Art Prize 2026

Acrylic on canvas
 92 x 122 cm Literally is inspired by Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct and the experience of walking through South Brisbane after dark, when the city’s architecture, public art and riverfront spaces take on a different character. The painting depicts a familiar Brisbane scene: the illuminated facade of the Gallery of Modern Art glowing against the evening sky. Cast across the building is the silhouette of The World Turns, Michael Parekōwhai’s celebrated public sculpture that has become an iconic landmark within the precinct. A solitary figure pauses before the scene, creating a moment of quiet reflection amid the scale of the architecture and artwork. Brisbane is often defined by its subtropical climate, river and rapid growth, yet its cultural institutions also shape the city’s identity. Places such as GOMA provide spaces where stories, ideas and perspectives intersect. In this work, the monumental shadow of the sculpture transforms the gallery wall into a temporary canvas, creating an artwork within an artwork and inviting viewers to consider how meaning is constructed through perspective. The title Literally references both the physical shadow cast across the building and the tendency to seek simple explanations for complex stories. While the silhouette suggests an obvious narrative, closer examination reveals layers of interpretation, reminding us that every city contains multiple histories, viewpoints and lived experiences. Inspired by evening walks through Brisbane’s art precinct and conversations about contemporary issues, Literally reflects on the role of public spaces in shaping how we see ourselvees, our community and our city.