Nicole Barakat Wins 2025 Fisher’s Ghost Art Award

Selected from more than 600 exhibiting artists, Nicole Barakat’s textile-based work A language for the emptiness of words was recognised for its conceptual depth and material sensitivity. The piece, made from deconstructed found garments, addresses themes of displacement, collective grief and silence in response to global conflict and loss.

In their statement, judges Eddie Abd, Blair French and Sidney McMahon described the work as “courageous and deeply resonant,” noting its “profound attunement to cultural, social and political undercurrents shaping the present moment.”

“Through Barakat’s intentional hollowing and deconstructing of found garments, the work’s materiality invites audiences to consider notions of silence, absence and re-membering,” the panel said. “It responds to global events with striking immediacy yet evokes a simultaneous sense of stillness.”

The judges also highlighted the strong connection between this year’s winners and Western Sydney, recognising the region’s “resilience and openness to engage with complex issues.”

Other 2025 category winners include:

• Contemporary: Freya Jobbins, Self Portrait With Fish Hooks; Alannah Dair, of another (Highly Commended)

• Traditional: Anamika, Raas (dance of love)

• Macarthur Award: David Hawkes, 2560

• Aboriginal Art Award: Miranda Hampson, WHERE THE TIDE LEFT ME BEHIND

• Macability Award: Xeni Kusumitra, Gabriel at 12pm Angelus

• People’s Choice Award: Talya Brookman, Tether

• Primary Students: Harris Abdurahiman, Limitless Sky; Fatima Jaber, Stuck in the Tree; Indianna Prior, Moon Fox

• Secondary Students: Liliana Belobrajdic, Flower Celebration; Hayden Best, Kinetic Connection; Isaac Filipo, Self Portrait; Madeline Sammut, Pie and Sauce

The Fisher’s Ghost Art Award 2025 exhibition is open to the public until Sunday 16 November 2025, showcasing all finalist works across multiple categories.