Jennifer Riddle wins the 2022 Glover Prize

Congratulations to Victoria-based artist Jennifer Riddle, winner of the 2022 Glover Prize, for her entry entitled Wanderings of the Past and Now.

With an emphasis on renewing our senses to nature’s beauty, Riddle’s work aims to “offer a reflective moment in the landscape — a silent pause from the noise that surrounds us, elevating one’s awareness in a soulful embrace with nature.”

Through composition, expressive palette knife applications of varying intensities and delicate veils of brushwork, her work “endeavours to exemplify both the physicality of strength and the poetry of grace that underlies the landscape. Whilst creating a soulful sense of space and depth within the work that offers an experience of stillness, reverence and connection.”

Riddle’s winning artwork, created with the medium of synthetic polymer on canvas, is her fifth to be selected as a Glover Prize finalist. A favourite amongst visitors, she has been awarded the Glover Prize People’s Choice Award in both 2017 and 2019 and the Children’s Choice Award in 2017.

Jennifer Riddle, Wanderings of the Past and Now

Riddle’s official statement accompanying her entry speaks about the future of the natural environment:

“It’s hard to look at Port Davey’s pristine, remote landscape without feeling the enormity and impact of its presence. Particularly as we confront the realities of global warming and the ongoing threats to our most ancient landscapes. Its beauty’s breathtaking, nostalgic of another time. Yet, it’s a landscape of now. And the overwhelming emotions surrounding Covid-19 and the environment’s future have compounded and intensified in this moment.

Perhaps the 19th century Romantics foresaw where we would be today, as they celebrated nature’s beauty in the face of the Industrial Revolution, pollution and plague. Similarly, as I find myself back here, between lockdowns and border closures, I can’t help but feel akin to the Romantics before me, as I ardently honour the sublime.

Here, I’m reminded of the Needwonnee Peoples deep reciprocal connection with land and sea as I explore these waterways and contemplate its past and future. There are moments of stillness, reflection, and an overwhelming sense of wonderment and profound empathy for this land.

Painting this landscape feels familiar, but its sentiments feel more exposed, raw and primal. And my response is visceral, poignant and euphoric. Deeply I exhale, fuelled with immense hope for humanity’s reconciliation with nature.”


Riddle has won $50,000 and a bronze maquette of colonial artist John Glover, after whom the Glover Prize is named.

Two other finalist artworks have been Highly Commended by the Glover Prize Judges. Both Greg Ferry’s Tattoo convention Bridgewater, wet shirt competition, and Stephen Lees’ WALKING GEORGE, were recognised by the Judges.

Two more prizes are to be awarded as part of the 2022 Glover Prize with the People’s Choice and Children’s Choice Awards being drawn on the final day of the exhibition. The winners of these popular votes will receive $3,000 and $500 prize money, respectively.

The finalists’ exhibition is viewable at the historic Falls Park Pavilion in Evandale, Tasmania, from 12 to 20 March 2022.  2022.

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