Vicki Yatjiki Cullinan, a respected Yankunytjatjara artist, has been declared the winner of the prestigious Hadley's Art Prize for 2023.

The art prize, valued at $100,000, is awarded annually to the artwork that best captures the essence of the Australian landscape.

The judging panel included highly acclaimed and awarded Australian artist Wendy Sharpe AM, renowned Tasmanian artist Milan Milojevic, and artist, curator, writer, and Associate Professor at The University of Queensland, Dr. Fiona Foley.

A skilled artist from the Indulkana Community, South Australia, Ms Cullinan has over two decades of experience in painting, printmaking, and drawing.

She is now dedicated to mentoring young artists in skill development, cultural activities, and governance as a director and cultural liaison officer at Iwantja Arts.

"I paint my Country, the beautiful and powerful Yankunytjatjara Country that I live on and that will always be a part of me," Ms Cullinan said.

"My painting is connected to the Tjukurpa (Ancestral Stories) that I know, but also my paintings are an extension of who I am, and how I interpret my place in the world."

The 2023 judging panel was blown away by the artwork, saying "Cullinan's work knocked us out at first glance and just kept giving."

"The longer you look at it, the better it gets. The work does not reveal all its secrets at once," they said.

"Like the Country, it is vibrant and alive. We were all drawn to Cullinan's work and find it utterly fascinating.

"This year's Hadley's Art Prize is incredibly high-quality and diverse, with entrants from every state and territory. It was a privilege to spend time with each of the artworks and encourage everyone to visit the Finalists' Exhibition."

Amy Jackett, Curator of Hadley's Art Prize said "We are thrilled to award the 2023 Hadley's Art Prize to Vicki Yatjiki Cullinan, and extend our congratulations to all of this year's finalists."

Now in its seventh year, Hadley's Art Prize is built upon a legacy of supporting Australian artists, celebrating excellence in contemporary landscape art with one of the nation's most generous prizes.

The $10,000 Hadley's Residency Prize was awarded to Melissa Kenihan (VIC), and Honourable Mentions were awarded to Joshua Andree (TAS), Patrick Mung Mung (WA), Joan Ross (NSW) and Denise Brady (NT).

The Finalists Exhibition is now open at Hadley's Orient Hotel, Hobart from 22 July – 20 August.

A public program of events and talks will run alongside the exhibition, including a Comedian & Curator Tour with comedian Luke McGregor on 29 July.