THE WINNER of the 2026 Hornsby Art Prize has been announced, with Suxing Zhang from Wahroonga taking home the top prize for his painting, ‘The Great Deluge’ – an oil on canvas exploring mythological connections between Australian and Chinese cultures through stories of serpents, water and transformation.
Zhang says his work draws on landscapes in Australia to articulate mythological echoes across Australian and Chinese cultures.
“Though these cultures never met, both link serpentine power with water and transformation, and I see such myths as traces of a shared human memory that speak a common symbolic language,” he said.
Zhang’s artwork was selected as the winner from a pool of 84 finalists, drawn from an incredible 567 artworks submitted from Hornsby Shire and across Australia.
Entries competed for a total prize pool valued at $23,000, with the major prize worth $10,000.
This year’s judging panel was Archibald Prize winning artist Guido Maestri and acclaimed still life painter Mirra Whale.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell thanked all artists and the judges who had the difficult job of selecting the winners.
“Congratulations to our winner, award recipients and finalists,” he said.
“Hornsby Shire Council is committed to supporting arts and culture and it is fantastic to come together and celebrate local and Australia-wide talent.”
The Hornsby Shire Local Artist Award went to Bryan An from Pennant Hills for his painting, ‘Morning Commute’, an oil on canvas.
“Morning Commute began with my interest in the way people move through familiar routines while carrying their own thoughts and concerns,” An said.
Other award recipients include: Photography Award – Jess Coldrey for ‘Waiting Room’, an archival pigment print on cotton rag; Sculpture Award – Joanna Gambotto for ‘Feral Fountain’, a wheel-thrown and altered stoneware, rabbit skin; Drawing Award – Paul Littrich for ‘Fleeting Presence’, a graphite on watercolour paper; Printmaking Award – Joshua Shrubb for ‘Crossing the Bridge’, a monoprint on paper from a carved board matrix; and Painting Award – Robert Bartolo for ‘Frozen Transition’, an acrylic and oil on canvas.
The exhibition is being held at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre until November 1, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. Entry is free with more info at hornsby.nsw.gov.au/artprize
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