Finalists announced for the 2025 Bowness Photography Prize

The Museum of Australian Photography has unveiled the finalists for the 20th edition of Australia’s premier photography award, with judging panel Anne Zahalka, Shaune Lakin and MAPh Director Anouska Phizacklea selecting works that showcase the dynamic evolution of contemporary Australian photography.

A generous $1 million gift from the Bowness Family Foundation has elevated the prize to become Australia’s richest photography award, cementing its significance in the national arts landscape. The substantial increase reflects the growing recognition of photography as a vital contemporary art form.

The winner will receive $50,000 and see their work acquired into MAPh’s prestigious collection. Two Honourable Mentions will each receive $2,500, while the Wai Tang Commissioning Award offers $10,000 and an exhibition opportunity throughout next year’s prize season. The Community Bank Pinewood People’s Choice Award, determined by public vote from opening night, carries a $5,000 prize.

The 2025 finalists represent a compelling snapshot of contemporary Australian photography, with artists pushing boundaries across traditional and experimental approaches. The selected works demonstrate remarkable diversity in both subject matter and technique, incorporating glass, metal, paper and digital screens to create innovative photographic experiences.

“These artists are exploring every dimension of how to make a photograph,” the judges noted, highlighting the varied surfaces and textures that comprise this year’s shortlist. The selection reveals photography’s expanding definition, with creators utilising unconventional materials and presentation methods to powerful effect.

The exhibition of finalist works will provide audiences with an exceptional overview of current photographic practice in Australia. As the prize enters its 20th year, the increased funding ensures its continued role in supporting and celebrating photographic excellence while building MAPh’s collection for future generations.

Congratulations to all the finalists:

Hoda Afshar, Riste Andrievski, Lilah Benetti, Jane E Brown, Jane Burton, Isabella Capezio, Dave Carswell, Zoё Croggon, Zo Damage, J Davies, Gerwyn Davies, Tamara Dean, Rianon Dillon, Ella Dreyfus, Stephen Dupont, Odette England, Guy Grabowsky, Yvette Hamilton, Siri Hayes, Anna Higgins, Naomi Hobson, Ingvar Kenne, Nur Aishah Abdullah Farid Kenton, Shea Kirk, Thomas Ling, Morganna Magee, Sean McKenzie, Gerrie Mifsud, Kent Morris, Phuong Nguyen Le, Kojiro Oishi, SEANOKKAI., Jill Orr, Sonia Payes, Stanislava Pinchuk, Izabela Pluta, Zorica Purlija, Eugenia Raskopoulos, Sarah Rhodes, Elvis Richardson, Jessica Schwientek, Dean Sewell, Ali Tahayori, Cyrus Tang, James Tylor, Justine Varga, Pete Volich, Kai Wasikowski, Wei Weng, Meng-Yu Yan