Tjapaltjarri and Eather’s collaborative painting wins Sunshine Coast National Art Prize

The $25,000 acquisitive Major Prize was awarded after Tjapaltjarri’s death this year, and the work enters the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

We are still creating ourselves II, a collaborative painting by Kumanjayi (Walala) Tjapaltjarri (c. 1962–2026) and Michael Eather, has won the Major Prize in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026. The $25,000 acquisitive prize was awarded after Tjapaltjarri’s death this year. The work enters the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

Tjapaltjarri, one of the Pintupi Nine, arrived at Kiwirrkurra in Western Australia in 1984. The same year Eather travelled from Hobart to Maningrida. They worked together for more than 25 years. In the painting, Tjapaltjarri’s graphic interpretations of the Tingari Cycle meet Eather’s maps, stingrays and portals. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said “each artist’s voice remains strong and distinct.”

Guest judge Rhana Devenport ONZM chose four winners from 40 finalists. Zartisha Davis took the $2,500 People’s Choice Award for Movement and flow. Jessica DiCosta received the Highly Commended Award for the video work KOMA, and Louella Michael the Artist Residency Award for the textile work Untitled experience. The exhibition is on view at Caloundra Regional Gallery until 11 October.