28/08/2026
Congratulations to Louisa Ennis-Thomas, winner of the BCCB #4 Acquisitive Award 2026 for her work, Harvest (Clinging to the Belly of the World).
A powerful and thought-provoking work that captivated the judges and audiences alike.
Artist Statement
Harvest (Clinging to the belly of the world) considers the complex human relationship with the natural environment, and our desire to shape and exploit the world around us. We are both intrinsically part of our environment, while simultaneously positioned as 'other': a threat, a steward, a parasite.
Bale-like forms, fashioned from used agricultural sacks, echo the deeply conflicting relationship between human/plunderer and nature/victim.
Bound in stacks, bundled and tethered for possible consumption and processing, these bale-like forms are strapped, bulging, under tension – companions in some shared plight. Meanwhile, rusted farming implements speak to the passage of time, degradation, and the macabre.
What the judges had to say
The winning work reflects a range of tensions and injustices spanning from past to the possible future - from colonisation and agriculture, to food systems and even data centres and AI and its impact on humanity. In its physical presence, choice of materials and conceptual development it pushes multiple boundaries at once.
This year's works show a shift in complexity, bringing materiality, the local, the body, and the influence of AI into conversation with the natural environment. The works show that we are making decisions yesterday, today and tomorrow - every person who walks into the gallery - through every bite we eat, email we send, piece of clothing we wear. Whether it is noticing change at minute levels, or deciding to shop more at your local op shop, the exhibition collectively leaves us all with something we can do today, here and now, to create the future we want.
Come see it for yourself - 👏 Congratulations, Louisa!
BBCB #4 Acquisitive Award Exhibition
Sat 22 Aug - Sun 25 Oct 2026 | Burrinja Gallery | Free
Click the link for further information
https://www.burrinja.org.au/whats-on/acquisitive-award-exhibition
