Adam Mandarano has been awarded with the 2026 Burwood Art Prize which includes not only a $20,000 award, but also permanent acquisition into the Burwood Council Collection.
Lex Tan was also named as a finalist in the prize for their work Lex From Neland Lex (2025, acrylic on canvas)!
Presented by Burwood Council, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and co-funded by Anson Group, this year’s prize was judged by MCA senior curator Pedro de Almeida, Thai-Australian artist Phaptawan Suwannakudt, and Dharug artist Billy Bain.
Artists were asked to explore ideas of identity, presence and place in response to the theme, I AM HERE. In response, Adam tasked himself with creating a self-portrait that reflects how he uses his “uniform” to affirm his sense of self, place in the world, and purpose as an artists.
“This is the uniform I wear every time I paint, with my shirt, boots, and yellow backwards cap.” - Adam Mandarano
In his work, Painting in the Park (2026, Acrylic on Cardboard), Adam painted himself wearing what he has made his signature look at Studio A, set against a vibrant park landscape. The piece captures the joy, confidence and sense of place that wearing his painting uniform, and by extension his painting practice, provides to him.
Winning the Burwood Art Prize with this vulnerable self-portrait is the culmination of Adam spending 12 months working with Studio A artist facilitator Lily Ehrlich in order to expand his practice outside of weaving.
“Making art makes me feel happy. I want to do more! I started painting ballerinas in high school. I started weaving and did it for many years. I started painting canvases and now I paint on cardboard. I like painting people because I love them.” - Adam Mandarano
If you want to find out more about Adam's big win, make sure to check out his interview on 702 ABC Sydney Saturday Breakfast! Listen to the full interview HERE.
The 2026 Burwood Art Prize exhibition runs from 25 May to 28 June 2026 at Burwood Library, featuring finalists from across Sydney working across painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media and moving image.
Words by Sam Kalis.
Images courtesy of Burwood Council.
