Emerging Gamilaraay artist Juanita McLauchlan has won the MA Art Prize at this year's Sydney Contemporary art fair, with her work 'Mandaymanday / String of Stars' praised for its innovative use of materials and 'distinct Australian voice'.
Sponsored by MA Financial, the prize recognises and supports emerging and early-career artists in Australia. It returns for its third year with a record-breaking number of entries and an increased prize of $15,000.
Ms McLauchlan is a proud Gamilaraay artist based on Wiradjuri Country in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Primarily involved in printmaking, she has been recognised for her talent across a variety of awards and programs - previously receiving the National Regional Arts Fellowship in 2024 and participating in the McCahon House x Bundanon Exchange earlier this year.
Speaking at Sydney Contemporary's opening day, she expressed surprise upon being announced as the 2025 winner.
"Thank you so much. I appreciate it, and I'd just like to thank MA Financial Group, Sydney Contemporary and Carriageworks for holding this space, but also I'd like to thank and congratulate the other finalists," said Ms McLauchlan.
"I had no idea I was going to win, and I'm still in shock today. I thought I was a winner just being a finalist.''
Her work, 'Mandaymanday / String of Stars', explores the balance between chaos and control in printmaking - using complex textures and layered processes to embrace the unique qualities of the medium.
Using domestic fabrics such as vintage blankets as a base, she incorporates organic materials such as leaves and animal pelts to print, eco-dye, and encourage active interaction with her audience.
This experimental approach to both materials and ideas is deeply informed by her Indigenous heritage, which Ms McLauchlan uses to shape and guide her practice.
Andrew Martin, managing director and head of asset management at MA Financial Group, said the company was proud to support emerging artists through the MA Art Prize.
"Three years ago, as part of our commitment to contemporary art, we introduced the MA Art Prize for an emerging artist that's displayed by a gallery at the fair. This year, we had a record number of entries from artists across the country and artists in a range of mediums."
Speaking on Ms McLauchlan's work, Mr Martin encouraged Fair attendees to see it in person.
"It is extraordinary. In person, you can see the passion and love that's gone into the work," he said.
"[Her work] stood out for its originality and distinctly Australian voice. Intertwining native and colonial materials to create an impression of Wiradjuri Country, Wagga Wagga, NSW…and symbolising connections of bloodlines across generations is unique and inspiring."
Mr Martin also noted that this prize is not only a recognition of rising artistic talent, but also an opportunity to support a professional career.
"We hope the MA Art Prize will support Juanita in taking the next step in her professional journey, providing her the opportunity to share her voice and talent with a broader audience," he said.
The appreciation of diverse works is one of Sydney Contemporary's best qualities. Fair director Zoe Paulsen commented that the breadth of works displayed at this year's showcase is the product of 116 galleries and over 500 artists from all over Australia, New Zealand, Asia and beyond.
"As we all know, at the heart of Sydney Contemporary are our artists and gallerists. And this year's presentations, I must say, are memorable," Ms Paulsen said.
"These programs reflect the ambition, diversity and vitality of Sydney Contemporary - not just an exhibition, but a cultural destination and a celebration of art in all its forms," she continued.
Sydney Contemporary 2025 will run from 11 to 14 September at Carriageworks, Sydney. More information is available online.
Juanita McLauchlan is currently presenting an exhibition, yilaa minyaminyabalmaaru-ma-lda-y (soon everything will be healing), at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until 19 October 2025.
