winners

Fifty Squared art prize 2026

BRACE
REY YEN HO

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the First Prize winner as Rey Yen Ho for their artwork Brace. 

In deliberating this year’s first prize winner, it was a unanimous choice to award Rey Yen Ho the top prize for their piece Brace. There were many conceptual layers the judging panel was able to tease from viewing the enamel portrait, which simultaneously echoes age-old craft practices while speaking on matters immediate to today.

At a similar scale to a standard print photograph, this piece offers a glimpse of an intimate moment between two male figures, an expression of tenderness in a firm embrace. Its title, Brace, implies positioning oneself for safety, or seeking shelter, these two figures shielded from outside elements within this hold.

Brunswick Street Gallery’s Jacqui O’Shea praised the artist’s delicate and deliberate approach in telling its story. ‘Brace is a tender reflection on queer love, further enhanced by its exceptional presentation and its refined materiality. The artist’s decision to create such a painterly portrait in enamel on copper not only shows immense skill and craftsmanship, but also their sensitivity to the subject matter and a deep care for the elevated manner in which it is told.’

Guest judge Amber Creswell Bell added to these sentiments, stating that it is ‘exquisitely painted, shows beautiful use of material, and is very rich in layered meaning. Its scale is also a delight–tiny, but still holds its own’.

The result is akin to a new-age memento mori, small enough to be kept close to its owner. It provokes thoughts on queerness, on masculinity, and on intimacy, and in creating it in such refined materials it adds a weight to this piece that affirms it as a precious artefact, meant to be displayed proudly.

Congratulations to Rey Yen Ho, awarded the First Prize.

The First Prize winner will receive a $5000 Cash Prize (non-acquisitive).

Image: Brace, Rey Yen Ho, Vitreous Enamel, Enamel Paint & Ceramic Pencil on Copper, 15x10cm

HOOKED
ANDY WARREN

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the Second Prize winner as Andy Warren for their artwork Hooked. 

An immediate standout by virtue of its striking palette, Andy Warren’s ‘Hooked’ caught the eye of the panel–including Amber Creswell Bell who was captivated by it almost immediately upon her arrival at the gallery. The playful colour palette and surface imagery quickly give way to a feeling of unsettling discomfort, as dichotomous soft and sharp elements coexist within its spacious composition. ‘This was the first piece to catch my eye as I made my way through the gallery–and it didn’t leave me’, said Creswell Bell. ‘It shows clear technical skill, restrained but with such delicious detail where it counts, and fabulous attention to framing that further enhances all the elements within’.

Andy Warren's still life presents a playful yet pointed interpretation of monogamy, online hookup culture, and experiences of queer relationships in the modern world. The composition of the piece, together with the presence of the bananas as a lure for an unseen angler, reflects the subtle undertones of the occasionally barbed and lonely aspects of these relationships. In its simplicity and precision, this artwork asks us to slow down, observe, and interrogate our intimate relationships.

Congratulations to Andy Warren, awarded the Second Prize.

The Second Prize winner will receive a $2000 Cash Prize (non-acquisitive).

Image: Hooked, Andy Warren, Oil on gesso board, framed, 31x24cm

LACUNA
AILEEN CORBETT

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the Third Prize winner as Aileen Corbett for their artwork Lacuna. 

Aileen Corbett’s work Lacuna is a true testament to the artist’s mastery of her medium, singled out by guest judge Amber Creswell Bell for its stunning glaze work, captivating form, and its great presence within the exhibition.

Corbett’s ceramic sculptures blend art and architecture, often encouraging the viewer to consider the negative space within as much as the constructed forms. Reminiscent of brutalist forms in architecture, the geometric forms of the piece are textured with delicate incisions, like a collage of drafter’s drawings. Carefully chosen segments are removed to create an intriguing surface where light catches the defined corners and casts dramatic shadows.

Congratulations to Aileen Corbett, awarded the Third Prize.

The Third Prize winner will receive a $1000 Cash Prize (non-acquisitive).

Image: Lacuna, Aileen Corbett, Glazed, Stoneware, 27x24x5cm

MISTY MORNING (SHAOLHAVEN)
BETRA FRAVAL

Selected by our curatorial team, the BSG Prize is awarded to an artist whose entry is indicative of a practice that we are excited to support, awarding them with an exhibition with us in the upcoming 2027 exhibition schedule.

This year, we are delighted to award the prize to an individual who has brought a masterful approach to their chosen medium and skillfully engaging with traditional painting techniques in a contemporary context. Their work features a thoughtful and compelling composition that stood out strongly among the hang. We are excited to see what they will create for their forthcoming exhibition.

With this, Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to present a BSG Prize to Betra Fraval for their piece Misty Morning (Shoalhaven).

Of this piece, Brunswick Street Gallery issued a joint statement:

'While we were taken with all of Fraval’s paintings in this year’s prize, it was her work 'Misty Morning (Shoalhaven)' that immediately captured our attention.In the painting, a dawn landscape appears through mist, revealing itself to the viewer like a well-kept secret. The subtle tonal palette, encompassing the deep blue river, wet sandbanks, and rusty landscape, is shaped equally by the artist's memory of the scene and the morning light catching each element in turn. Fraval’s delicate use of paint on the linen surface masterfully creates the essence of the early morning mist and encapsulates the magical, suspended moment where Fraval says ‘the landscape felt both present and elusive’.

Congratulations to Betra Fraval, awarded a BSG Prize as selected by the Brunswick Street Gallery’s Director Sean Smith, Gallery Manager Jacqui Burnes, and Exhibitions Manager Conor Smyth.

The BSG Prize winner will be awarded contribution towards a solo exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery in 2027.

Image: Misty Morning (Shoalhaven), Betra Fraval, Oil on linen on board, 35x25cm

BARRACKS LANE
MADELENE START

Selected by our curatorial team, the BSG Prize is awarded to an artist whose entry is indicative of a practice that we are excited to support, awarding them with an exhibition with us in the upcoming 2027 exhibition schedule.

This year, we are delighted to award the prize to an individual who has brought a fresh perspective to their medium, skilfully engaging with simple Polychromos pencils in a playful yet thoughtful context. Their work features a compelling composition that stood out strongly among the works on display. We are excited to see what they will create for their forthcoming exhibition.

With this, Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to present a BSG Prize to Madelene Start for their piece Barracks Lane.

Of this piece, Brunswick Street Gallery issued a joint statement:

'Within these exhibitions, the gallery team is always pleased to see artistic practices develop, subject matter change and the artist’s voice resolve in their annual entries to the prize. Drawn year on year towards Madelene Start’s hand drawn musings on daily life, Brunswick Street Gallery’s Exhibitions Manager Conor Smyth said of this year’s artwork that ‘after years of finding joy in her works entered in our art prizes, this year Start’s charming and suspenseful 'Barracks Lane' could not be overlooked.’

What made this piece stand out to us was the somewhat antithetical combination of a soft, diffused pencil to depict a heart stopping moment–complimenting the decision to spotlight a moment in everyday life as if it were a cinematic still. This work is full of tension as we find ourselves frozen in a suspenseful moment, as the ball arcs towards a waiting hoop, leaving us wondering what comes next. On the surface a mundane moment, here the sharehouse is a setting of great stories shared for years amongst friendship circles, and an arena event in its own right.

We are excited to see the many snapshots of life Start is yet to show, and look forward to helping provide a stage from which they can be told.'

Congratulations to awarded a BSG Prize as selected by the Brunswick Street Gallery’s Director Sean Smith, Gallery Manager Jacqui O'Shea, and Exhibitions Manager Conor Smyth.

The BSG Prize winner will be awarded contribution towards a solo exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery in 2027.

Image: Barracks Lane, Madelene Start, Pencils on paper, 23.5x23.5cm

FULL SUN
LUCI FOLDER

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the winner of an Honourable Mention as Luci Folder for their artwork Full Sun.

Simple in its execution yet powerful in its impact, this work is a true homage to the fleeting moment. Wisps of cloud skip by, never to be seen again, in unique formations so brief in their existence that the artist can only hint at their presence. The tonal palette and long shadows perfectly capture the hour of the day, while the uncharacteristic viewpoint of this urban landscape hints at a brief pause, a fleeting glance towards the rooftops before returning to the movements of everyday life.

Congratulations to Luci Folder, awarded an Honourable Mention, supported by Melbourne Artist's Supplies.

The winner of this prize will receive a voucher for supplies and materials at Melbourne Artist's Supplies.

Image: Full Sun, Luci Folder, Oil on linen board in Victorian Ash Danish Frame, 22.5x22.5cm

THE FABRIC OF OUR SOCIETY
MERCEDES CZEHMESTER

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the winner of an Honourable Mention as Mercedes Czehmester for their artwork The Fabric Of Our Society. 

Of this work, United Measures said in a statement:

'We selected this artwork because we appreciate its textures and delicate craftsmanship. To us the piece is reminiscent of an aerial view of the Australian countryside with dirt tracks weaving between greenery and farmland, taking you on a journey through Victoria, just like Yarra Trams.'

Congratulations to Mercedes Czehmester, awarded an Honourable Mention, supported by United Measures.

The winner of this prize will receive a voucher for fine art framing services at United Measures.

Image: The Fabric Of Our Society, Mercedes Czehmester, Acrylic Yarn, 45x45cm.

WITHIN THIS HAZE
NATASHA MANNER

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the the winner of an Honourable Mention as Natasha Manners for their artwork Within This Haze. 

Of this work, Kyle KM of Fitzroy Stretches said in a statement:

'Natasha’s shadow work creates a fantastic atmosphere on paper. The clear intentionality to her process is reflected in how simple the work appears, yet as you are drawn in from afar the indentation and soft bleeds of oil colour on paper show a remarkable understanding of her process.'

Congratulations to Natasha Manners, awarded an Honourable Mention, supported by Senior Art Supplies and Fitzroy Stretches.

The winner of this prize will receive a voucher for supplies and materials at Senior Art Supplies/Fitzroy Stretches.

Image: Within This Haze, Natasha Manners, Oil on paper, framed, 48.5x37.5cm.

EMBRACE
TUESDAY WILSON

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to present the Photography Prize to Tuesday Wilson for their piece Embrace, as supported by Walkens House of Film.

Embrace captures a couple in a tender moment of closeness. This black and white photograph is striking in the way it portrays its subjects with sensitivity and respect. The softness of the film enhances the intimacy, while the flash highlights details such as hair, eyelashes, and freckles, reflecting the trust shared between the subjects and the photographer.

Congratulations to Tuesday Wilson, awarded an Honourable Mention supported by Walkens House of Film.

The winner of an Honourable Mention will be awarded a voucher from Walkens House of Film.

Image: Embrace, Tuesday Wilson, Medium Format Photograph, 29.7x42cm

STILL LIFE ON PILLOWCASE
ANDREW HARDING

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the winner of an Honourable Mention as Andrew Harding for their artwork Still Life on Pillowcase.

A very traditional still life, Andrew’s work shows great attention to colour and form. With a considered level of abstraction, the composition both commands the canvas and presents a scene of intimacy and delicacy.

Congratulations to Andrew Harding, awarded an Honourable Mention, supported by The Art Room.

The winner of this prize will receive a voucher for services provided by The Art Room.

Image: Still Life on Pillowcase, Andrew Harding, Oil on Canvas, 40x51cm

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BREKKIE
REBECCA MIGNONE

Brunswick Street Gallery is pleased to announce the the winner of an Honourable Mention as Rebecca Mignone for their artwork School Holidays Brekkie. 

Of this work, Neo Frames' Cassie May said in a statement:

'We were immediately drawn to the beautifully crafted breakfast scenario; are the kids allowed to have such a sweet treat so early in the morning?!

Such Joy! Remembering fondly when we had the variety pack only on a special holiday away at the beach.'

Congratulations to Rebecca Mignone, awarded an Honourable Mention, supported by Neo Frames.

The winner of this prize will receive a voucher for framing services at Neo Frames.

Image: School Holidays Brekkie, Rebecca Mignone, Recycled textiles, 43x32cm.