National Works on Paper 2026 has opened at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG), with Adam Lee announced as the winner of the exhibition's prestigious $20,000 acquisitive award.
For more than 50 years, National Works on Paper has championed artistic excellence and innovation, celebrating the endless creative possibilities of paper. Recognised as one of Australia's most prestigious art awards and exhibitions, the biennial event has a proud legacy of discovering, supporting and showcasing outstanding contemporary artists from around the country.
The 2026 exhibition brings together 68 finalists selected from 935 artist submissions, showcasing works by established and emerging practitioners spanning drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture and innovative paper-based practices.
The 2026 finalists were selected by an esteemed judging panel comprising Anne Ryan, Curator of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales; Teho Ropeyarn, artist and 2022 National Works on Paper finalist; Raymond Arnold, artist and 2018 National Works on Paper finalist; and Rebecca Owens, Curatorial Lead at MPRG.
Awarded for You are the wind, I am the song, Lee's work will now join MPRG's nationally significant collection of contemporary works on paper. As an acquisitive award, the winning artwork becomes part of the Gallery's permanent collection, continuing MPRG's commitment to collecting outstanding contemporary Australian art.
The judges were struck by the technical assurance and ambitious scale of this work - watercolour is a notoriously difficult medium to control, yet here it is handled with elegance and responsiveness across a large, dynamic composition. Its sombre palette and intricate, interconnected elements draw the eye in slowly, capturing the depth and complexity of grief while offering glimmers of gold and hope. Though rooted in a deeply personal experience of loss, the work speaks to something universal, connecting us across time with all who have loved and lost.
Mayor Stephen Batty said National Works on Paper reinforces the Mornington Peninsula's reputation as a thriving destination for arts and culture and acknowledges the ongoing support of the Friends of MPRG.
"We're proud that Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is home to an exhibition of national significance, bringing exceptional contemporary art and ideas to our community," Cr Batty said.
National Works on Paper plays an important role in supporting contemporary Australian artists while offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience some of the country's most compelling artistic voices in one exhibition.
Running until Sunday 22 November, the exhibition is complemented by a diverse program of artist talks, tours and special events.
