2025 Start Art Prize Winners

Congratulations to all the Start artists for entering the 2025 Start Art Prize. Here is the list of winners selected by South Australian feature artist and designer Frida Las Vegas aka Stavroula Adameitis, and announced by Tansy Curtin, Curator of International Art pre-1980.

Artists Under 3

Bobby, Under 3, Bobby Burrowes, “It’s with all of the animals”

Congratulations Bobby

Strong use of Duchampian readymades with a fine nod to Gilbert and George colour schemes. Delightfully graphic with a fine use of negative space shows an early eye for postmodernist printmaking.

Oscar, Under 3, Abstract landscape of the beach, The Beach

Congratulations Oscar

This piece combines abstraction and texture to foster a dreamy, comforting experience for the viewer. Looks almost edible, like a bag of cotton candy. Enchanting.

Artists aged 3-5

Zoe, 3-5 years, Beach, Zoe and a seagull enjoying the beach on a very hot day

Congratulations Zoe

This portrait goes where Edvard Munch only dreamed to go. The subject’s eyes evoke ecstatic levels of human emotion and devotion. A surrealist triumph.

Ally, 3-5 years, Luminous landscapes, Trees house and sky.

Congratulations Ally

Idyllic pastoral scene with an Australian impressionist flavour displays a keen eye for mood, perspective and changing light on the sunburnt landscape.

Artists aged 6-8

Lydia, 6-8 years, The Change Collector, Our planet is like a change collector. We need to fill it up with good change only!

Congratulations Lydia

This hopeful and visually-cohesive wish for a bright, inclusive future is well drawn, with colour choices meticulously executed to inspire action and connection directly with audiences across ages and geographies.

Sanduli, 6-8 years, Let Me Swim Free! A humpback whale, trapped in a fishing net. She’s hungry, lonely, and afraid—desperate to swim free. Her cry is a call to all of us. We must be the change., Sanduli loves marine life. She draws to share their stories and believes even small things we do, can help protect and make the world better.

Congratulations Sanduli

The beauty of this gentle underwater scenario featuring a truly adorable whale is enhanced by the virtuosity of the colours, linework and patterns of the coral garden below. The artist has taken the audience for a gentle swim in their imagination and it is glorious.

Artists aged 9-10

William, 9-10 years, Botanic Garden, A colourful garden full of plants, trees, and flowers. This drawing celebrates caring for our world and keeping it green.

Congratulations William

Incredible rendering of the iconic Botanic Gardens Palm House instantly transports the viewer there through lovely brushwork and true-to-life colour choices, effectively painting both a physical and a mental picture.

Ya, 9-10 years, Protect the sea!, The colourful coral, the fishy fishes and seahorse finding safety from the erupting volcano.

Congratulations Ya

A dynamic use of collage breaks the fourth wall through the frame, to literally bring art into direct conversation with its surroundings on the gallery wall. Excellent colour choices convey energy, movement and action.

Artists aged 11-12

Dane, 11-12 years, Expand, Too many children aren't introduced to world foods. They choose nuggets and burgers over ramen and curries. Our schools should promote this.

Congratulations Dane

Supreme attention to detail, composition and a clever use of negative space conveys the bright lights of the Big City with a sense of electricity, movement and celebration.

Chelsea, 11-12 years, Snoopy and Mooshi drew by Chelsea Wang. May 2025 in Adelaide, Snoopy is the most active and cheeky kitty. Mooshi is a very calm and chill cat. We love them both so much !

Congratulations Chelsea

These two have ‘Cat-itude’ in spades! The artist’s decision to omit background detail highlights the personailities of the subjects, ensuring a steadfast emotional connection between subject and viewer.