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We’re excited to share the winners, runner-up, and ten finalists of the 2024 Art Against Ageism competition, now in its fourth year. Since 2021, participation has soared from 52 entries to an incredible 631 in 2024! This growth reflects the enthusiasm of artists committed to celebrating seniors and challenging age-related stereotypes.
The ethos behind the Art Against Ageism competition is to showcase the beauty, diverse capabilities, and vibrant mindset of senior individuals through their artwork, ultimately negating the negative stereotypes associated with ageing.
A huge thank you to our sponsors and judges, who played a crucial role in making this year’s competition a success. Our five judges faced an extremely difficult challenge in shortlisting and then selecting their favourite entries. This year, we sought sponsorship to provide our twelve winners with attractive prize money, and we were fortunate to have support from four esteemed organisations:
Elder Rights Advocacy
Merri Health
Carers Victoria
Language Loop
A representative from each organisation joined Maryanne Tadic, AMCS CEO, in the judging process.
Winners and Finalists
Here are the details of our winners, runner-up, and ten finalists:
Winner: Richa Panicker
Submission Title: Joie de Vivre
Artwork Description: “Joie de Vivre” is a testament to the timelessness of the human spirit, reminding us that the essence of life—its laughter, color, and joy—remains undimmed by the passage of years. This work invites the viewer to see age not as a decline but as a time of wisdom, freedom, and unbridled joy—a celebration of a life fully lived, rich in experience and unapologetically joyful.
About the Artist: As a self-taught artist, Richa’s passion for art has been a constant companion since childhood. She balances her dynamic life as a corporate director, mother, and artist.
Runner-Up: Daria Andrews
Submission Title: Stripes and Wrinkles
Artwork Description: Watching my husband help his mother bathe was profoundly moving, highlighting the role reversal from caregiver to cared-for. Her embarrassment, like the girl in Freud’s painting “Girl with a Kitten,” revealed her vulnerability and transformation from mother to woman.
About the Artist: Daria shifted to full-time painting in 2019, quickly holding solo shows that reflect her journey and experiences.
Finalist -Raoul Slater
Submission Title:
Ron West – Legend
Artwork Description:
Ron is in his 90’s and has just retired as the director and organist at the Majestic Theatre in Pomona – the world’s longest running silent movie theatre. He is a flamboyant showman and will be missed in our small town. I wanted to celebrate his legacy by taking a wet-plate collodion photograph – the main photographic process used in from 1852 to the end of that century. Ron’s father actually took wet-plate photos, and I used his lens from the 1890’s to take this photo. In Ron’s hand is his grandfather’s cane, which outdated the lens and everything else in my humble studio.
Tell us about yourself:
Hi. I’m a photographer from the Sunshine Coast who has been taking wet-plate collodion tintype portraits for the last 2 years. The process is fickle, explosive, infuriating and occasionally touched by magic. It helps to have a great subject like Ron.
Finalist -Jan Stewart
Submission Title:
Cats? What stinking cats?
Artwork Description:
Soft pastel on sanded paper.
My viewpoint of American politics as an Australian woman.
Tell us about yourself:
At 63 years old I am a newcomer to art with no formal training.
I am a survivor of forced adoption and it has taken many years to gain enough confidence to paint even for myself. To put myself and my art out there is complicated.
Finalist -Nathalie Fernandes
Submission Title:
Never too old to dance
Artwork Description:
My artwork represents an old lady who’s dancing in a traditional dance outfit from Mauritius. She’s dancing our traditional dance the Sega. I wanted to show that you can enjoy life at any age, no matter what culture you are.
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Nathalie and I’m very passionate about art. I live in Melbourne Australia and was born in Mauritius. I enjoy drawing and painting and have a Facebook page ‘Nat’s Art With Heart’ where I share all my artwork.
Finalist -Shraddha Pandey
Submission Title:
The joy of wrinkles
Artwork Description:
Special kind of beauty that comes with age, a beauty that lives in the wrinkles that line a face. These wrinkles are more than just marks on the skin – they are stories. Every wrinkle has its own story of love, loss, joy, and pain.
Wrinkles show the world that we have lived and not just existed. Wrinkles remind us of the grace in growing older, in allowing our bodies to tell the truth of our lives.
Tell us about yourself:
Art is my passion. I try to create my work as a reflection of my inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I strive to capture moments that not only visually engage the viewer, but also evoke a sense of curiosity, contemplation, and connection. My inspiration comes from nature, human conditions, and the world around me. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in everyday life and to find meaning in the complexities of the world we live in.
Finalist -Terry King
Submission Title:
Pat Elkin OAM at Home
Artwork Description:
This is a portrait of Pat Elkin OAM, painted in the garden of her home in Armidale, NSW. At 99 years old, Pat is a local legend in the art community and co-founder of the Packsaddle exhibition, which started in 1985 to support local artists. Packsaddle now draws entries from across Australia and helps fund local art. Pat received her OAM at 98 for her services to the arts. An accomplished artist herself, she still paints occasionally and her home is filled with her artwork. Pat continues to inspire her family and community.
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a 63-year-old amateur artist from Brisbane, originally from Melbourne. I’ve lived in Brisbane for 25 years, am married with three children, and run a small telecommunications business. I’ve always loved drawing and began painting seriously about six years ago. Entering the Archibald Prize 2024 was my first competition, and it was a meaningful tribute to Pat and her family. I found your prize fitting for Pat’s inspiring story. I plan to pursue art more seriously and aim to become a professional painter.
Finalist -Megan Munro
Submission Title:
Sparklemuffin in the Sun
Artwork Description:
I am a multidisciplinary artist; this is a self-portrait. Although not as old as some of the images of other entrants from last year, for me performing drag and burlesque is a radical act with most performers being up to 40 years younger than me. I am disabled, queer, and nonbinary. This work is me reclining on my rollator during an act. My rollator is ‘wearing a costume’; the colours on it are symbolic of my queer identity. I have put myself in my garden as it is also another part of my life that I get much joy from.
Tell us about yourself:
At 56, I may not be considered very old, but I’m also not young. Living with chronic illness and a recent autism diagnosis, I spend most of my time creating art. I work casually for a disability-owned organization and produce “The Queer Variety Show,” featuring queer and disabled performers. My art reflects my identities. Both my parents are alive—my mother is 79 and has terminal cancer, while my father is 86. They just celebrated their 60th anniversary. I live in Belconnen with my wife, Jive, and our cat, Escher.
Finalist -Duligal Rosalie
Submission Title:
Insomnia
Artwork Description:
An oil painting on linen of a self-portrait.
It’s a painting where I personally have the battle of sleeping most nights with endless thoughts. I tell myself to switch off, but it just doesn’t happen.
Tell us about yourself:
I am a painter of pictures that tell stories. I like to share works for good causes, and if they can raise money for charity, I’m happy, but it is nice to be a finalist sometimes.
Finalist -Kathleen Kyle
Submission Title:
Morning Coffee
Artwork Description:
Seniors take a great interest in local news and often take steps to assist others or volunteer to help in local issues. Their down-to-earth communications are underestimated.
Tell us about yourself:
I have been painting for 15 years. I’m 75 and involved in local issues, especially where I see ageism. I paint in all mediums and write poetry with social messages and humour.
Finalist -Natalie Doubrovski
Submission Title:
“The season of the harvest”
Artwork Description:
The “Portrait of Galina Ignatievna Kuchina” in oil pastels on canvas paper captures the grace and resilience of a 95-year-old woman with a rich cultural heritage. Born in China to Russian parents and later settling in Australia, Galina embodies elegance, cultural pride, and strength. An advocate for Russian culture, she spent 40 years coordinating events at Melbourne’s ‘Russian House,’ earning the prestigious “Pushkin Medal.” Her literary journey began at 69, resulting in eight published works, with more in progress. This artwork celebrates her enduring contributions to literature and cultural heritage.
Tell us about yourself:
Natalie Doubrovski, a 61-year-old self-taught artist originally from Russia, began her artistic journey in earnest after immigrating to Australia in 1992. In 2009, she joined a Melbourne art society, refining her drawing and painting skills in various media. Natalie specializes in portraits and figure drawing, captivated by the human form’s nuances. In 2022, she expanded her focus to teaching, sharing her passion with adults in local art societies. Her dedication to both her craft and the creative growth of others showcases her commitment to the art community.
Finalist -Kamoltas Sudasna
Submission Title:
You go I go
Artwork Description:
A couple joins one day trip bike tour in Thailand. They ride bicycles through ‘Talad Noi Market,’ which has Thai mural art on the wall. This concept “You go I go” means they will support and trust each other no matter what. When we are getting old, we wish to be happy with someone. We don’t want to be alone to explore this beautiful world. My inspiration to create this artwork is from my father, who has a dream to be a tourist guide for retired people. He believes that time has passed, but their hearts are still young.
Artworks technique – Digital illustration on Procreate application.
Tell us about yourself:
I’m Ami from Thailand. I graduated with a Master of Design from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. Currently, I’m an art instructor at Ami’s Paint Bar (paint and sip activity). I run acrylic painting classes on canvas every week for students of all skill levels.
