Nelson Nghe has taken out the People’s Choice Prize as part of the 2022/23 Blacktown City Art Prize.
The Acrylic and PVC on canvas work, Bug Spray, was named the winner based on popular vote as part of the 2022/23 Blacktown City Art Prize exhibition at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
178 votes were tallied as part of the People’s Choice Prize, which comes with $1,000 in prize money. The work was one of 71 finalist artworks selected for exhibition in the 2022/23 Blacktown City Art Prize between 10 January to 17 February 2023.
Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, said the community chose an outstanding work.
“Congratulations to Nelson Nghe for winning the People’s Choice Prize with this incredibly striking piece of art,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Now in its 27th year, the Blacktown City Art Prize is a major cultural event in Western Sydney. The artworks that made it through to the final round of judging were of an incredibly high standard and I’m proud to say many of these pieces were from Western Sydney artists.”

Nelson Nghe commented on his win “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on this art journey, and this is a reflection of their love and encouragement. I am very grateful to Blacktown Arts for this incredible opportunity which I will always cherish, and also a big congratulations to all the finalists!”

Blacktown City Council’s Blacktown Arts is a recognised leader in the development of contemporary arts in Australia. We support artistic innovation and offer exciting, new experiences for audiences through an award-winning curated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops,residencies and events. We are committed to making dynamic, culturally diverse work that reflects Blacktown, its history and its communities. We place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities at the heart of our program to develop new work drawing on issues of local and
global significance.
For further information on the 2022/23 Blacktown City Art Prize visit blacktownarts.com.au/bcap.
Image photographed by Jennifer Leahy, Silversal