The 56 finalist artist sculptures – each measuring up to 80cm in any dimension – were selected from a record 844 entries by a judging panel comprised of Director Curatorial and Digital, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Dr Lara Strongman, Art Historian/Curator and Industrial Archaeologist Joanna Capon OAM and celebrated artist and fashion designer Jenny Kee AO.

Woollahra Mayor, Councillor Susan Wynne said: “We are thrilled to have received a record number of entries this year as we mark the 20th edition of this celebrated prize. To see such an enthusiastic response to the Prize, during such a difficult year only strengthens our commitment to cultural development and reinforces the decision we have made to open our first art gallery next year – Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf. The quality and diversity of the 2020 Finalist works are outstanding, and we cannot wait to welcome visitors into the new gallery with an exhibition that has something for everyone.”

My statement: “I use my art practice to explore social and psychological subjects. As the Mother of an only child I ponder the notion of ‘one’ and while seeing the pillow of my Mother used daily in her elderly state I cannot ignore the notion of comfort, propping up, rest and anxiety. This work ‘only child’ memorialises and immortalises the single, private, personal pillow. Carved from a block of marble, the soft and solitary state of a used pillow creates a human landscape of comfort and disturbance.”