We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Finalist: 16-18 year olds

Audrey Carter Finnie and the peacock

Age 16

16-18 year olds

This is my best friend, Finnie. She is funny, kind and completely her own person. In a world where every teenager is taking a million photos of themselves every day and is obsessed with self-image, she hates having her picture taken. She doesn’t have time for all that. She doesn’t show off, unlike the peacock in the wall mural behind her. She’s not yet sure what she’s doing with her life, but it’s clear who she is. Finnie inspires me to be myself, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.