Past | Midsumma and Australia Post Art Award

Australia's leading queer visual arts award

1 - 13th February

Ayman Kaake, Ar.

Since its inauguration in 2016 the Midsumma and Australia Post Art Award has quickly established itself as an important award in the ecology of the arts. With finalists selected from across the country, the non-acquisitive annual award is a survey of outstanding queer artists working across mediums reflecting their potent personal and political perspectives on the world.

The Midsumma and Australia Post Art Award returns to No Vacancy for its seventh iteration. The fifteen shortlisted works demonstrate innovative, original, and heartfelt reflections on the LGBTQIA+ experience, following a year like no other.

This selection of works touches on a range of responses to the particular challenges that we met in 2020-2021. Over the past two years, many artists found themselves reflecting on childhood experiences, on past trauma, self-actualisation and healing, and fantastical imaginings of escapes from the oppression of lockdown. This exhibition upholds the voices of artists revealing art that explores queerness through time, space and various cultural lenses. Be immersed in introspection and interaction within an ever-changing world.

Reflect on the quiet and spacious moments, adventure through sexuality and gender fluidity, expand your mind and heart in a pool of poignant queer sincerity, be humbled and inspired by works portraying queer vulnerability.

Each work presents a personal view, representing many facets of the LGBTQIA+ family, but more importantly, these works highlight the individuals that make up our vibrant and talented community.