Kim Ah Sam wins top Moreton Bay prize

Kim Ah Sam, a Kuku Yalanji and Kalkadoon woman, has won the City of Moreton Bay’s 2025 15 Artists Acquisitive Prize for her artwork Grounding from country to the waters.

The new work captures the connection between Moreton Bay’s tidal landscape and First Nations traditions and wisdom, celebrating Country as a continuing source of food, knowledge, and healing.

Crafted from recycled crab pots, the artwork responds to living history and the natural rhythms of Moreton Bay.

Through earthy tones and fluid, woven forms, Ah Sam evokes the movement of water and sand, embodying the spirit of resilience and reconnection.

Ah Sam’s multidisciplinary practice explores her personal cultural and spiritual identity through printmaking, handmade papermaking, and woven sculpture.

“Kim Ah Sam’s piece is a deeply moving reflection of Country, community, and resilience,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“We are proud to acquire this powerful work into City of Moreton Bay’s Art Collection, where it will continue to inspire and connect with our community.”

Ah Sam graduated from Queensland College of Art in 2018 with a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art and Honours in Fine Art, majoring in printmaking.

Her career highlights include a residency at the Museum of Brisbane and public commissions for Queensland Rail, Queensland University of Technology and Ipswich City Council.

Her work has been showcased nationally, including at the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at QAGOMA (2024) and Craft Victoria’s YARN (2023).

Now in its 26th year, City of Moreton Bay’s 15 Artists Acquisitive Prize invites 15 artists to showcase their work, with one selected for acquisition.

The awarded artist receives $20,000 and their work is added to the City's growing collection of contemporary Australian art.

Artists showcased in this year’s exhibition include Queensland-based artists Holly Anderson, James Barth, Troy-Anthony Baylis, Naomi Blacklock, Darren Blackman, Jamie Congdon, Torin Francis, Claudia Greathead, Libby Harward, Kate Mitchell, Tommy Pau, Sha Sarwari, Pamela See, and Keemon Williams.

15 Artists 2025 is on display at Redcliffe Art Gallery until May 24, 2025.