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The art world in Australia is buzzing with the announcement of the finalists for the STILL: National Still Life Award 2025. This biennial prize, proudly presented by Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour, has swiftly become a cornerstone event on the national arts calendar. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a vibrant celebration and a powerful reinterpretation of one of art's most enduring genres, proving that still life is anything but still.
For centuries, still life has been a quiet observer of our lives. From the lavish Dutch Golden Age paintings of overflowing tables laden with exotic fruits and gleaming silverware, to the austere arrangements of Cézanne's apples, these artworks have traditionally offered a glimpse into everyday objects, often imbued with symbolic meaning about mortality, wealth, or domesticity. But what happens when contemporary artists pick up this venerable torch? The STILL Award, established in 2017, was founded on the very premise of asking artists to stretch the boundaries of this tradition, inviting them to explore new perspectives and push the creative envelope.
The Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, now part of the impressive Yarrila Arts and Museum complex, has a particular affinity for the still life genre. This award was a natural extension of that interest, creating an acquisitive prize that adds significant works to their permanent collection. The generosity of local supporters has been instrumental in its growth, fostering a unique platform where established masters and emerging talents alike can showcase their modern interpretations of still life. The very nature of an acquisitive award means that the winning piece will forever become a part of the public's artistic heritage, a tangible link to the present moment for future generations.
What makes the STILL Award so exciting is its sheer breadth. Unlike historical still life, which often conjures images of paintings, this award embraces all mediums. That means we can expect to see painting, certainly, but also photography, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, video, and even new media and installation art. This open approach is crucial in demonstrating how the genre remains relevant and adaptable in a rapidly evolving art landscape. Artists are not confined to a traditional canvas but are encouraged to think about how objects, and their relationships to us, can be explored through diverse materials and innovative techniques.
The "contemporary interpretations" highlighted by the award are truly fascinating. Today's still life artists are often using everyday objects, found items, or carefully constructed scenes to delve into complex ideas. We might see works that comment on consumerism and waste, using discarded packaging or electronic components. Others might explore identity and memory through personal belongings that tell a silent story. Some artists are using still life to engage with pressing social issues, from environmental concerns to cultural commentary, giving voice to objects that might otherwise be overlooked. The humble fruit bowl has given way to powerful statements that resonate deeply with the complexities of modern life.
Consider past winners and finalists, and you get a sense of this diversity. Previous years have seen works that are politically charged, deeply personal, or even playfully abstract. The discussions around these pieces inevitably explore how artists infuse new meaning into static arrangements, transforming them from mere depictions into profound meditations. The selection process for the STILL Award is rigorous, with a panel of esteemed art professionals sifting through hundreds of entries from across Australia. This ensures that the chosen finalists represent not only artistic excellence but also a compelling vision for the future of still life.
The exhibition of finalists is always a highlight, offering visitors a chance to engage with these reimagined still life forms. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the often overlooked beauty and narrative potential of the inanimate world around us. For the artists, being selected as a finalist brings national recognition and a significant boost to their careers, connecting them with a wider audience and art institutions. And for the Coffs Coast community, it reinforces their role as a vibrant cultural hub, bringing national conversations about art directly to their doorstep.
As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the STILL Award 2025 winner, one thing is clear: still life in Australia is far from a dusty relic of the past. It is a dynamic, evolving art form that continues to offer boundless possibilities for artistic expression and meaningful contemplation. These finalists are not just presenting objects; they are inviting us to look closer, think deeper, and rediscover the hidden life within the still.
