Despard Gallery would like to congratulate Paul Snell, who has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Flanagan Art Prize.
Hosted by St Patricks Collage Ballarat, the Flanagan Art Prize was established in 2008 in honour of Noel Flanagan, an Old Collegian and former curator of the Australian War Memorial. The prize and finalist’s exhibition aims to enrich the cultural experience of students and foster a deeper appreciation for fine art through strengthening the College’s commitment to the visual arts.
Snell won the $10,000 acquisitive award under the theme of ‘Inspire’ for his ethereal chromogenic print, Bleed #202337 [2023 Chromogenic print mounted on plexiglas 180 x 115 cm Ed of 3]. This in fact marks Snell’s second time winning the prestigious prize, having first taken home the award in 2012.
Guest Judge Dr Vincent Alessi, of Linden New Art said “This work is an example of how an art historical tradition and language can remain relevant and continue to speak about the world in which we live and how we experience it. It is ethereal, acknowledges that within emptiness there is life and activity and that in our text saturated world there is still place for the spiritual, slowing down and experience a moment of silence that is moving. It also pushes limitations of photo media practice.”