2025 KAAF Art Prize Exhibition
Exhibition of National Finalists
21st November 2025 - 16th January 2026
Korean Cultural Centre Gallery
255 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
I’m honoured to share that I was selected as a finalist in the The Korea-Australia Arts Foundation (KAAF) Art Awards in Sydney this year.
Being named a finalist is always a meaningful milestone, not only for the recognition itself, but for the opportunity to place your work in dialogue with other contemporary artists working across diverse mediums and ideas. The KAAF Awards continue to build a reputation for championing emerging and established voices, supported by a panel of esteemed judges (John McDonald & Dr Oliver Smith) whose experience and curatorial insight bring real weight to the selection process.
My finalist work, Humphrey in Bloom, reimagines the iconic Australian children’s television character Humphrey B. Bear through my own painterly language. In this piece, I was interested in nostalgia and subversion, innocence and saturation, softness and structure. The familiar figure of Humphrey becomes a vehicle to explore colour, surface and emotional memory. The title suggests renewal and transformation, a cultural symbol recontextualised within contemporary painting.
The award evening itself was a highlight. It was inspiring to stand alongside such a strong cohort of finalists and to connect in person with artists whose practices span painting, sculpture and mixed media. These events are as much about community as they are about competition. Conversations flowed easily, about process, risk, materials, the realities of studio life. There’s something grounding about sharing space with peers who understand the persistence required to sustain a creative practice.
Meeting the judges and hearing their perspectives reinforced how important platforms like KAAF are for artists. Independent awards play a vital role in fostering dialogue, visibility and momentum within the Australian art landscape.
To be recognised as a finalist for Humphrey in Bloom was a proud moment in my ongoing practice as Van Dahl. I’m grateful to the organisers, judges and fellow artists for making it such a considered and energising experience.
‘Humphrey in Bloom’ (2025)
75 x 60cm
Acrylic paint and mixed media on canvas
In 2025, Australia’s beloved bear turned the big 6-0! For six decades, Humphrey B. Bear has been bringing joy, giggles, and that signature bear charm to generations of kids. No words, no worries — just pure heart.
To mark this special milestone, here’s my tribute: a vibrant portrait — capturing Humphrey in full celebration mode, bowtie, boater hat, and all, surrounded by a garden of joy.Thanks for all the hugs, Humphrey. Here’s to 60 more years of fun, pantless dancing, and silent bear wisdom.
