18 May 2026
Several WA public school students have featured on the winners' list at the prestigious 2026 Lester Prize Youth Awards.
'Already at the party' by Kayla Braimbridge.
Open to all high school students across Australia, the Lester Prize Youth Awards celebrates the unique way young artists see the world, through the faces and stories of the people around them.
Kayla Braimbridge, from Carine Senior High School, took out first prize in the Year 9-10 category for her artwork, ‘Already at the party’.
The oil and mixed media painting, depicting Kayla and her brothers crabbing, was lauded by the judges for its composition, depth of field and use of colour.
“The painting takes you back to a time of innocence and the adventure of childhood,” the judge's statement said.
“The artist’s loose painting style is impressive because of the difficulty in executing it successfully and is a confident choice for a young person to make.”
Kayla said the win felt unreal.
“I didn’t properly realise I’d won until I sat down and felt the package of art supplies slipping off my lap,” she said.
‘Yesterday’s face’ by Laura Niu.
“I genuinely did not think I had a chance at winning.”
“I like the freedom it gives me in being able to communicate things that I can’t with words.
“I don’t really mind what I do with my art as long as I'm making it.”
Also featured on the winners list was Laura Niu from Rossmoyne Senior High School, who took out the Year 7-8 category with her soft pastel portrait titled ‘Yesterday’s face’.
The Judges noted the artwork was beyond its years in maturity, skill and choice of subject matter.
“The artist’s handling of the pastel medium is very impressive in terms of execution in the building up of layers.... all the artist’s choices culminate in a very poignant and psychologically resonant portrait,” their comments read.
Raadin Ebadi, from Perth Modern School, was recognised as the Joint High School winner for the striking charcoal drawing, ‘Determination’.
The judges recognised the careful attention to surface detail, remarking: “Every pore, every line on the face, and the nuanced texture of the skin, enhances the realism and tactility of the portrait.”
The Lester Prize Youth Awards exhibition is being held in the Old Goal building at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip from 24 April to 19 July 2026.
‘Determination’ by Raadin Ebadi.
All award winners and finalists can be viewed at the Lester Prize website.