Tasmanian artist Joshua Andree wins People’s Choice Award at 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize

An arresting painting of a lake on Tasmania’s West Coast has received a lucrative art gong, with the artist saying the win “means so much to me”. See the beautiful image.

Artist Joshua Andree in his studio. Picture: Linda Higginson

A large “eye-catching” painting of a lake on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast has taken out the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize.

The work by Joshua Andree, entitled Once Still Water (Requiem for a Lake), depicts a lake at Queenstown and shows the residue from a legacy of mining at Mt Lyell. It is framed within pieces of a King Billy pine pipe that once held water from the very lake captured in the painting.

Andree won a $2500 cash prize, presented by the Mercury, for taking out the award, which was voted on by those who attended the exhibition of the finalists for the overall Hadley’s Art Prize.

Tasmanian artist Joshua Andree with his work Once Still Water (Requiem for a Lake) that is the Hadley's Art Prize People's Choice Award winner for 2023. Picture: supplied

“This win means so much to me,” he said.

“It’s really encouraging as an artist to know audiences enjoy my work. Even just to be a finalist in the Hadley’s Art Prize is amazing.

“To have my work shown alongside some of Australia’s best painters, and particularly artists that I’ve looked up to since I was at art school – Michaye Boulter, Philip Wolfhagen, Raymond Arnold, Megan Walch – is such an incredible opportunity for me.

“On opening night, I felt like a kid who had been invited to sit at the adults’ table on Christmas Day. Now I feel like I’ve won the bonbon.”

Hadley's Art Prize Honourable Mention, Joshua Andree, Once Still Water (Requiem for a Lake).

Hadley’s Art Prize curator, Dr Amy Jackett, said she wasn’t surprised that Andree’s “large, eye-catching work has won the People’s Choice”.

“It really grabs your attention as you enter the gallery, and people enjoy it even more when they hear the story and see the special frame,” she said.

The Hadley’s Art Prize, established in 2017, is among the most lucrative art awards in Australia, with the winner receiving $100,000.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO, Alex Heroys, said it was “one of the many important winter events that raise the profile of Tasmania’s off-season and attract visitors to our city”.

“The quality and diversity of the artwork is nation-leading and we congratulate all involved in another fantastic event,” he said.

The Finalists’ Exhibition runs at Hadley’s Orient Hotel until this Sunday, August 20. Artworks are available to purchase and entry is free.