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

Jun Qian Lin Walking home

Age 16

16-18 year olds

This is a portrait of my grandfather. He has dementia. His senile expression while he talks about his home is what I most remember him by. He almost never talked about anything else during the later stages of his illness – home slowly became his sole focus as his mind deteriorated. It was still quite devastating for my family when he eventually walked out and disappeared. Even after the month-long search, we still don’t know where he is to this day. Some small part in me wishes that we can meet again.