Media release: Donovan Christie wins 2026 Clayton Utz Art Award

The Award offers exhibition space in our Brisbane Office for the finalists and a $25,000 prize for the winner. The Award was established to support an outstanding artwork by a Queensland-based artist, or an artist with a strong connection to Queensland.

Award judge Dr Simon Degroot said:

This work reminds us that the image itself can be thought of as a place, one that we inhabit, share, and pass down.

This year's highly commended works were Anthony Quidong's This Storm shall Pass - Central Queensland, Samantha Groenestyn's Embrace, Sophie Clews' I've no means to fly, and Donovan Christie's winning entry Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

The firm's People’s Choice winner was Anthony Quidong for This Storm shall Pass - Central Queensland.

Partner in Charge of Clayton Utz's Brisbane office Scott Sharry said the firm was proud to continue its tradition of supporting Queensland artists.

Mr Sharry said:

We're again proud to showcase the work of the Art Award finalists in our Riparian Plaza offices for our people and clients to enjoy.

Each year, we look forward to seeing the rich diversity and quality of the entrants, and to see them encouraged in their careers through the prize.

The finalists' work will be on display in the reception area and meeting rooms on Level 28 of the Clayton Utz Brisbane office for the next 12 months.