‘Reciprocal arc’ is one of 53 works selected from more than 1600 international submissions for the inaugural Sidney Nolan Art Prize 2026.
What a privilege it was to be at the opening event at Sir Sidney’s former home, The Rodd, a beautiful Jacobean house and farm complex on the border between Herefordshire and Powys, Wales.
I was struck by the variety, passion, power and skill of the works on show there and the way that the selectors had brought together art which seemed to echo the creative spirit of Sidney Nolan himself.
The competition encourages contemporary artists to respond to Nolan’s restless curiosity, concern, and commitment to art that addresses acute and current questions of human experience.
As well as seeing all the other selected artists, a real highlight for me was being able to stand in his final studio with so many of his materials and tools as he left them.
I’m grateful to curator Anthony Mottershead and judges Jennifer Guerrini-Miraldi, Melanie Pocock and Tom Piper for selecting my drawing for this memorable exhibition.
Do go and visit the exhibition if you can – The Rodd is fabulous place, rooted in the landscape over the centuries.
Sidney Nolan Art Prize exhibition
Saturday 11th July 2026 – Saturday 3rd October 2026
The Rodd, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LL