Forest Encounter

Forest Encounter captures the fleeting moment of discovering an animal within a dense, shadowed woodland. A reddish deer-like figure emerges from layers of deep green and blue, partially concealed by sweeping branches and luminous marks of yellow and white.

Inspired by the uncertainty and heightened awareness of walking through the bush at dusk, the painting explores the boundary between observation, memory and imagination. The animal is not presented in precise detail; instead, it appears like a brief vision before disappearing back into the forest.

Expressive brushwork, layered colour and simplified forms create an atmospheric contemporary landscape filled with movement and mystery. The contrast between the dark woodland palette and glowing areas of colour gives the work a dreamlike presence, inviting viewers to look closely and gradually discover the figure within the scene.

Original artwork by Sydney-based artist and 2026 Hornsby Art Prize finalist Bryan An.

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Bryan An is a Sydney-based contemporary artist, winner of the 2026 Hornsby Shire Local Artist Award at the Hornsby Art Prize, and a finalist in the 2026 National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP). His paintings explore human emotion, identity and the quiet complexities of everyday life.

Bryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from a specialist art academy. He went on to build an extensive career in film post-production, animation and art direction. This background informs his strong compositions, expressive use of colour and cinematic sense of storytelling.

Working primarily in oil and acrylic, Bryan brings together figurative painting, portraiture and contemporary narrative imagery. His subjects often inhabit gardens, streets and other familiar places, where small gestures and unexpected details suggest a deeper emotional world. Through expressive brushwork, layered colour and carefully composed spaces, he creates paintings that feel both intimate and theatrical.

Rather than defining a single story, Bryan leaves room for viewers to discover their own connections. His work invites a closer look at relationships, private emotions and the moments that often pass unnoticed.