Lori Pensini wins $50,000 Collie Art Prize

Western Australian artist Lori Pensini has taken out the $50,000 acquisitive Collie Art Prize for her work Bare Earth. Her piece was selected from a field of 45 finalists, drawn from 444 entries nationwide, in what has become one of Australia’s richest regional art prizes. Held at the Collie Art Gallery, two hours south of Perth, the 2025 edition of the prize reflects a dynamic and multilayered engagement with the theme of Identity.

Pensini’s work is a poignant response to enduring the driest spell on record in the South West of WA. She says, “The struggle was all consuming for landscape, animals and people. It was mentally oppressive going out into the paddocks everyday giving it your all knowing it still wasn’t enough to save every thing in need. Kirsten here, holding an orphaned lamb advocates for the tenacity & resilience of rural women. It is a testimony to the fabric of bush communities – putting the well-being of other sentients before our own, to try and make a difference.”

This year’s judges included Anne Gérard-Austin, Curator of International Art at the Art Gallery of NSW, James Walker, curator, artist and educator, and artist Tony Windberg.

The judging panel praised the work for its “monochromatic palette, steady gaze, and stoic stance embracing the fragility of life,” noting that it communicates “hardship, resilience and care” without the need for overt symbolism or background detail. “Technique, touch and a sensitivity to the subject matter and materials… demonstrate the high level of skill and consideration possessed by the artist,” they concluded.

In addition to the major award, several other artists were recognised. Dominique Coiffait received the Rotary Prize I ($5,000 and a solo exhibition at CAG) for Embracing the Green & Gold, while Bronwyn Hill won Rotary Prize II ($5,000 and a solo exhibition) for her striking Self Portrait. Jessica Holliday claimed the $1,000 Pollies’ Packer Prize for Enchanted Eventide, and Kim Kiosses was highly commended for My Family’s Country.

The exhibition runs daily from 10am to 4pm until 27 April at the Collie Art Gallery. Visit the website for more information.