Hamilton Kirikiriroa Artist Zena Elliott Wins $20,000 Art Award

Hamilton Kirikiriroa artist Zena Elliott has taken out the top prize in the prestigious National Contemporary Art Award with a bold representation of cultural heritage and marginalised communities in contemporary society.

The winning artwork, titled The Silence Forced Upon Us Is Louder Than the Crown’s Declarations of Partnership and Fairness, was selected by acclaimed curator Nigel Borell during a rigorous blind judging process where the artist’s name was not displayed.

Borell described what made the dynamic piece stand out.

“It is a powerful work that made me return for repeat views. A work that is full of tension, energy and polemic intent.”

The striking work is created with acrylic paint on raakau (wood) then bound in chains.

“Through a thought-provoking artistic dialogue, this painting explores pressing social and political issues impacting indigenous views,” said Elliott in the story of the work.

Liz Cotton, Director of Museum and Arts, said it's heartwarming to have a local artist take the win.

“Zena’s work has been at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery in the past, and it’s great to see her thought provoking and striking work here again as the 2025 National Contemporary Art Award winner. This really is a piece that needs to be seen in person to appreciate its power and beauty.”

"Nigel’s judging was full of sharp insight, fairness and a strong sense of what makes art resonate. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, who combined create a colourful, magical and truly contemporary exhibition.”

Along with the primary award, three other works were also recognised.

Leanne Mulder received the Runner Up prize for their work What the land remembers. Two Merit Awards were presented to Cora-Allan for He tangata paerangi - coming from a distance and Kelly Rowe for Access Denied.

This year’s award had a record-breaking number of entries – 480 – of which 53 finalists were chosen.

The 53 finalists will be on exhibit at Te Whare Taonga from 1 August until 16 November 2025 (free entry).

The National Contemporary Art Award was launched in 2000 by the Waikato Society of Arts and has been facilitated and hosted by Te Whare Taonga (previously named Waikato Museum) since 2006. Leading New Zealand law firm Tompkins Wake is the principal sponsor and has supported the competition since 2014.

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