Art Competition
‘Live as well as possible, as long as possible’
Winners of the 2021 Art competition have been announced!
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) recently wrapped up its 2021 Art Competition.
This competition aims to raise awareness in the community about palliative care, end-of-life care, death and bereavement.
This year’s theme was “Live as well as possible, as long as possible”, highlighting an essential aspect of palliative care – allowing people with life-limiting conditions to continue to do the things they enjoy most and be around the people they love for as long as possible.
This year’s competition again saw record participation from across the country, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the submitted artworks.
PCA wishes to thank our panel of judges for the time and commitment they gave judging the competition.
Thank you also to the amazing artists who submitted entries and shared their touching palliative care stories. And thank you and everyone who voted for the People’s Choice award.
Congratulations to the following winners:
Overall Winner
“Tuesday Group” by Cathy Bevis
Our Tuesday group has three people undergoing chemotherapy, one now on palliative care. We keep in contact.
I am astounded those suffering most are sure they want to continue as usual.
We kept playing cards, going to lunch and laughing as they shared their journey of joys and hardships.
Lots and lots of stories told with a great insight into what really matters.
Having your friends around, to share stories and laughter brings joy to all.
People’s Choice Award
“Not the last dance” by Phyllis Tay
At twenty-four, suddenly diagnosed with Stage IV aggressive cancer, she grieved the loss of hope and dreams.
But palliative care gave her the encouragement to continue living the best life she could, knowing that how long she could live was not in her hands.
Piano and dance were her passion – now she dances in heaven with no more sickness or pain tying her down.
Life, represented by this single-line drawing, demonstrates that despite sickness being a part of our lives, we can all make something beautiful from it.
Dedicated to the memory of my friend, Cheah Shieh Nee.
First Nations Artist Award
“Life Death Life Journey” by Robyn Chilcott
The background recognises Aboriginal colours Black, Yellow, Red.
The black is for the aboriginal people, the yellow is for the sun, giver of life and protector, and the Red is for earth, the ochre used in ceremonies
and the spiritual relation to the land. The rain like strokes represent the challenges of illness.
The dot circles depict the many groups, medical staff, families, friends, carers support workers that support quality of life until the end.
The two people under the tree depict the main supporter helping the persons spirit return to the spirit world, to their place of origin.
Emerging Artist Award
“Silver Lining” by Roderick Burrows
In 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 4, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and given 12 months to live.
Since then, I have endured 5 courses of chemotherapy, 2 courses of radiotherapy, immunotherapy and 3 clinical trials.
While there is no hope of a cure, my treatments, all palliative in purpose, have extended my life and kept me relatively comfortable,
enough to see three of our children get married and two grandchildren arrive.
We bought a caravan to travel Australia, but COVID ended that, so we traded it in on a boat.
Lazy days in the sun are what the doctor ordered.
Young Artist Award
“Life is Only a Holiday” by Rebekah Dinning
This is my Aunty Liz and her daughter. A couple of months prior, she received news that brain tumours had returned.
She was always full of life, aimed to encourage others and fight alongside them in their sufferings even though she, too, was going through pain.
She showed selfless love to everyone she met- especially in her last weeks. Thus, she truly lived as well and as long as possible.
This image was only a month before she died- she mustered all her strength to participate in her daughter’s wedding celebration,
surround herself with family and just have fun!
PCA Staff Choice Award
“A final swim for John” – Sue Corbet
The sun was shining and the sea was beckoning. John had made a wish for a final swim.
His syringe driver was filled. He seemed fearful, but excited.
I had some spare morphine tablets in my pocket. We had a trial run at getting him onto the beach wheelchair, modified to enable him to lie down. Padded up with cushions to help ease any pain.
A gentle wave splashed over him, and we could sense his happiness as he laughed with delight. “That’s enough now,” he said.
He died 9 days later, a final wish fulfilled. Palliation at its best.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you again to everyone who participated in the competition this year! We hope you join us again for the 2022 art competition.
Please feel free to browse through all the amazing entries from this year’s competition via the gallery links below.
If you have any questions, please contact us via email at communications@palliativecare.org.au.
