West Torrens Art Prize 2025
West Torrens Art Prize 2025 prizes have been awarded.
The theme for the 2025 Art Prize was 'Colour in West Torrens'.
West Torrens Art Prize winner
Colour in West Torrens by Isabelle Gerrard
Artist comments
"Inspired by my daughters (Ivy 4.5 years and Ella 2 years) and the treasures they find walking our neighbourhood (in West Torrens). Each dot is ‘Colour in West Torrens’. Pieces of litter collected, cleaned, cut, and turned into treasure. Displayed for conversation and to be admired."
Judges' comments
"This artwork was a unanimous choice; an immediate and confident 'yes' from all the judges. It is a quiet and thoughtful mapping of the West Torrens area: restrained and controlled, yet with a suggestion of the performative in the way the materials were chosen and collected over time, through long family walks around the area.
Through the use of materials gathered directly from place, the work speaks to memory, the environment, and our relationship with it. It becomes a mapping of both time and location, resulting in a beautifully resolved artwork that subtly captures the essence of West Torrens.”
Highly Commended prize winner
The One That Got Away by Melissa Crisa
Artist comments
"This image shows the everyday vibrancy of West Torrens through open skies, lush greens and children at play. A Qantas red tail in the distance ties the scene to both Australia and West Torrens, highlighting community, joy and the colours that shape life here."
Judges' comments
“This piece is a celebration of earth, sky, and sea - and of imagination at play. Its simple crisp composition holds steady the idea of flight, and the juxtaposition of a kite held high in the sky alongside a Qantas plane creates a lovely connection: both to the imagination and creativity of childhood, and to West Torrens itself.”
Highly Commended prize winner
The Rose of Thebarton by Justine Legoe
Artist comments
"This work honours Barbara Hanrahan as a guiding spirit. She carries her book and brush, symbols of her dual life as a writer and printmaker. I reference her use of vivid patterns, bold colours and domestic imagery that transforms and celebrates the ordinary into the extraordinary."
Judges' comments
“This is a joyful and whimsical work, rich with references to suburban life and local architecture. The colour palette is lively and beautifully controlled. There is a strong sense of narrative and storytelling - it feels light, energetic, and just a little bit magical.
Paying homage to one of Adelaide’s most well-loved artists, Barbara Hanrahan, the work is referential while still keeping the artist’s own distinctive style at the forefront.”
People's Choice prize winner
Nostalgia by Lisa Magnera
Artist comments
"As a young girl, I was captivated by art as a means of storytelling. Art became my escape, allowing me to explore my curiosity and express my experiences. Through vibrant colours and various mediums I aim to help others reconnect with their inner selves and discover moments of happiness and wonder."
Special mention
Mobile Library by Michelle Wegund
Artist comments
"My painting is of the Mobile Library in West Torrens. I feel that the display of books on the side of the truck is colourful and fits with the theme. I surrounded the truck with splashes of colour and elements from the parks in the West Torrens area adding to the bright colourful composition."
Judges' comments
“This was a work we kept coming back to - a lively and explosive piece, full of energy and playfulness. There’s an engaging balance between the abstract and the representational that feels both naïve and confident.
There’s a clear reference to colour in the subject matter, but also storytelling of 2 kinds; one about the subject itself, and another about its surroundings. There is a vitality and energy in this piece that is hard to ignore.”
Special mention
My Fun Spot by Aiden Khaki
Artist comments
"The playground is cool and my favourite thing in West Torrens. It’s full of colour and fun, and I never want to leave!"
Judges' comments
“One of the most important roles we have as curators is to support and encourage artists in their decision to dedicate time to creating and expressing their experiences of the world.
Many of us here tonight are involved in the arts because we had inspirational teachers or positive early experiences with creativity.
It’s often said that artists and creative people see the world a little differently, but this prize celebrates the world seen through a child’s eye: an eye that can tell us stories, about time, memory, place, and experience.
The judges would like to especially encourage Aiden Khaki for his joyful drawing 'My Fun Spot'; a delightful work complete with sparkle about a playground in West Torrens.”
Shortlist Gallery