20/08/2026
Congratulations to Harrison Bowe for winning this year's Mercury People's Choice Award, a $2500 prize presented by the Mercury Newspaper
The winning work, A Humbling Insignificance, depicts rocks in a remote part of Tasmania bathed in warm, golden light. The painting has proved a standout with exhibition visitors, who have responded to the way its radiant light seems to fill the room.
An avid bushwalker, Bowe draws directly on his experiences exploring some of Tasmania’s most rugged and remote landscapes. His paintings translate those encounters into richly textured works, with thickly applied paint conjuring rocks and grasses.
On winning, Harrison Bowe said:
"I'm very flattered to have won the people’s choice. Whilst I don't make art to please people, it’s always nice hearing when a work resonates with people. An affirmation I'm not going crazy and there is in fact something in it."
The exhibition continues this weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a remarkable range of landscape artwork from across the country, including Bowe’s award-winning work.
Artworks are for sale and entry to the exhibition is free, open 10am – 4pm daily, Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart
This year’s voter’s prize of an indulgence package at Hadley’s Orient Hotel was won by John Cannon, pictured below with Harrison's work which he just happened to vote for as he recognised the rock formations from bushwalks he's been on and found it a stunning painting.
The voter's prize was randomly drawn from everyone that voted for any artwork. Congratulations John!
Photo: Jessica King
