2026 Sunshine Coast National Art Prize Nomination

Colin is thrilled to be included in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize with his work, Our Quiet Languages.

“It’s a very fulfilling moment when you realise you have a connection to a culture so different from your own. Whilst on a residency in Fowlers Gap in Outback NSW, I met artist Badger Bates and we instantly clicked. I listened to his stories and he seemed to recognise the Irish storytelling culture in me. We weren’t competitive. It was a moment to share. I began to see connections and answers I’d been looking for and I was flattered that he could see something about my work which connected and triggered something in him also.”

The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is a dynamic visual arts award reflecting outstanding contemporary and new media arts practice in Australia. The work awarded with the major prize will be acquired by the Sunshine Coast Collection.

The exhibition of finalists will be on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery from Friday 21 August until Sunday 11 October 2026.

Our Quiet Languages, 2026, oil & gouache on board, 122 x 122 cm