Brisbane artist K.V Kosala Wijegunaratna has been named the first winner of the John D. Bowe Art Prize, taking home a $50,000 monetary award for his painting “The Queensland Spirit.”
The winner of one of Queensland’s largest art prizes was announced last night at a private event in Brisbane, where the 15 finalist works have been on public display since Monday (27 July) and will remain until tomorrow (31 July).
“The Queensland Spirit” depicts a scene inspired by the 2022 Rocklea floods, capturing a young boy carrying his Border Collie to safety through rising floodwaters - a quiet act of compassion the artist has described as a tribute to the courage and character of Queensland’s next generation.
Wijegunaratna’s painting was selected from the finalist field by a distinguished panel of Queensland-connected judges as the piece that most powerfully expressed the character, resilience and connection of Queensland.
“While this painting was inspired by a simple act of compassion, it says so much about courage, responsibility and hope,” Wijegunaratna said.
“Teenage boys don’t always get the credit they deserve - most are kind and resilient, and can often be the first to help when it matters, so this painting is for them.”
“The Border Collie is intelligent, hardworking and endlessly loyal, and to me that reflects Queensland’s rural heart. Together, the boy and his dog show that our true spirit isn’t found in what we say - it’s in what we do when things get hard.”
The John D. Bowe Art Prize was established by Anne Carne as a lasting legacy for her son and continues a deeply personal connection between Anne's family and the Flying Doctor.
Anne chose to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service in memory of her two sons, Rod and John - a decision that brings together two passions that defined her boys' lives.
Rod was a pilot. Though he never flew for the RFDS, after losing Rod, Anne saw the powerful connection between aviation and healthcare as a meaningful way to honour his memory and his love of flight. Her enduring support has since been recognised with an RFDS aircraft bearing the family's name: the Roderick J. Bowe, John D. Bowe and Anne J. Carne.
John was a passionate artist. The John D. Bowe Art Prize extends Anne's tribute through the medium John loved most - bringing both of her sons into a lasting legacy that continues to give back to those who live, work and play across every corner of Queensland – the place Anne and her sons called home.
Heather Stott, General Manager, Major Relationships, RFDS (Queensland Section), congratulated Wijegunaratna on behalf of the Prize and the Flying Doctor.
“What a way to close out the inaugural John D. Bowe Art Prize,” Heather Stott said.
“‘The Queensland Spirit’ captures exactly what this Prize was created to celebrate - ordinary Queenslanders showing extraordinary courage when it counts most.
“It’s a fitting tribute to both Anne’s sons. We couldn’t think of a more deserving piece to carry the Prize’s name into the future,” she said.
Celebrating the state’s artistic community and supporting artists of all levels, skills and backgrounds, the John D. Bowe Art Prize was open to Queenslanders from all corners of the state. Supporting access for regional and remote artists, all entries were submitted and judged digitally with no entry fee required, ensuring submissions from all walks of life during these challenging economic times.
The Prize was awarded by a distinguished panel of Queensland-connected judges:
- Andrea Crothers: raised on a property in the State’s South-West and now a Today Show Correspondent, Crothers is renowned for a career spent finding and sharing stories from all corners of Queensland.
- Wudarabin Snider: award-winning artist, young cultural leader, and proud Kuku Jelandji Bama and Guwamu Murrdi woman from Queensland. Wudarabin's artwork features on the RFDS uniform, and she is an RFDS Light the Way Ambassador; and
- Rebecca McDuff & Kym-Maree Murphy: Co-judges representing Bundaberg Regional Galleries:
- Rebecca is the Gallery Director, a board member of Flying Arts Alliance, and an advocate for regional arts practice and the intersection of arts and health.
- Kym-Maree is the Acting Director and Supervisor for Tourism Venues at Bundaberg Regional Council and manages the conservation of the museum collection at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
Further information about the Prize, its purpose, and its judging criteria can be found at johndboweartprize.com.au.
