We have just over a week to go until entries open for the 2020 Bluethumb Art Prize. This year's prize is a little different to the past - it's being judged by a panel of the nation's best artists, so well known that they've even inspired the next generation of artists! This curation includes both art inspired by our judges and art by our judges.
Starting with four-time Archibald finalist Kim Leutwyler (surely this year is her year?!) and one of Cosmopolitan's top 50 most influential LGBTIQ+ allied Australians, we've gathered works by her and other artists spotlighting Queer culture.
The Bluethumb Art Prize 18 winner Kim Hyunji is returning as a judge this year. Her work explores her generation and the role social media plays in the construction and portrayal of identity. We've selected works by Kim and other artists drawing on similar themes and styles.
Former AFL star and Brownlow medalist Gavin Wanganeen has embraced his creative side since retiring from the sport. Creating a stir in Adelaide's art scene, his work draws upon his Kokatha roots in the Western Desert region of South Australia. We've chosen works from our Indigenous art centre partners in the greater Western Desert area.
National treasure Ken Done needs no introduction as he's a household name that has inspired many artists. It's no surprise the majority of this curation is made up of his influence.
Blak Douglas is another esteemed Archibald Prize finalist and favourite to take the 2020 title, not to mention the first Indigenous artist to win the Kilgour Prize in 2019. He uses his art to elevate Indigenous issues into the public consciousness. An artist of proud Dhungatti Aboriginal origins, his portraits are often large and brutally close, forcing the viewer to confront the subject. Keeping with this raw and emotive composition, we've gathered portraits in the same vein.
Multi-award-winning photographer Bindi Cole Chocka was named as one of the top 100 most influential people in Melbourne by The Age. An Indigenous artist with Christian beliefs, her photographic work explores the cross-section of her life experiences. We've included some of her striking imagery in this curation.

Curated by Megan George