Bard, Jawi saltwater man Ron Bradfield Jnr has been awarded the 2026 Napier Waller Art Prize for his work, Who We Forgot, as the exhibition returns home for the first time in six years.
Who We Forgot, is a multi-layered artwork in which shells and timber have been carved into medals and insignia of the Australian Defence Force against the backdrop of a kangaroo skin.
Bradfield Jnr said it reimagines Australia's military service and awards system through the lens of this continent's First Nations Aboriginal and Islander peoples.
"I know what military awards require of those who've served. I wanted to create something that honours those whose time in uniform has been forgotten or unrecognised," he said.
"As Australians, we must come together through all of this nation's peoples and honour every survival story, in every household — our own, our families', and our ancestors.
"I hope it will help people imagine a more inclusive Australia."
The judging panel included representatives from both the arts and defence communities, with the competition receiving over 150 submissions.
The Judges said the Napier Waller Art Prize, which is awarded by the Australian War Memorial, is an important opportunity for current and former personnel to ascribe meaning to their service.
In a joint statement, they commented Bradfield Jnr on his work.
"This sculpture powerfully combines the values and traditions of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and those of Aboriginal people to invite us to imagine a more inclusive Australia," they said.
"This winning artwork encourages reflection on our shared history and the importance of embracing it as a foundation for moving forward together. It speaks to inclusion, connection, and a shared sense of belonging.
"Each element of Who We Forget combines to clearly communicate this message, belying the depth of consideration, skill and experience required for its creation.
"We would also like to extend our congratulations to all the artists who have been Highly Commended and Shortlisted for the prize. You made our job especially challenging this year and we were delighted to encounter such a strong field of contenders."
The Exhibition will return to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) for the first time since 2020 and will take its place in the AWM's new special exhibition gallery.
Head of Art at the Australian War Memorial, Laura Webster thanked the Australian Parliament House for hosting the exhibition for the last two iterations but said she is happy to see it come home.
"The breadth of talent on display is wonderful to see and it is a privilege to share their stories. Both current and former service people are expressing what's important to them and what they are experiencing," Ms Webster said.
"This winning artwork encourages reflection on our shared history and the importance of embracing it as a foundation for moving forward together. It speaks to inclusion, connection, and a shared sense of belonging.
"We would like to acknowledge all entrants, not just those who are highly commended and on display, but all who participated this year."
The Napier Waller Art Prize exhibition opened at the Australian War Memorial on Thursday with all highly commended artworks on display.
An accompanying online exhibition showcases the whole shortlist, where members of the public can vote for their favourite in the People's Choice award.
For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
