We are thrilled to congratulate Michael McHugh on being selected as a finalist in the 2026 Deakin Contemporary Sculpture Award for his new glass work, Whirl. This recognition marks an exciting new chapter in McHugh’s artistic practice, introducing a sculptural dimension to his established painting language.
Selected from 670 entries, McHugh is one of 43 finalists chosen for this year’s award. The exhibition will be presented at the Deakin University Art Gallery, opening to the public from Monday 24 August 2026. The finalists were selected by an esteemed panel of judges including Amy Barclay, Public Art Project Lead at the City of Melbourne; Barkindji artist, curator and Creative Director of The Torch, Kent Morris; and Leanne Willis, Senior Manager, Art Collection and Galleries at Deakin.
"Whirl" represents an exciting evolution in McHugh’s practice, translating the expressive energy and layered surfaces of his paintings into glass. The work reflects his ongoing exploration of gesture, movement, colour and abstraction, bringing a new material language to ideas that have long informed his two-dimensional works.
McHugh’s painting practice is rooted in gestural acrylic mark-making, where layered abstraction moves between painted surfaces and organic, botanical forms. His works shift between sombre, atmospheric compositions and vibrant, energetic expressions, with textural layers capturing traces of time, memory and experience. Drawing and collage are central to his process, providing a foundation through which he investigates composition and continually pushes the boundaries of colour and technique.
Graduating from Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design in New Zealand, McHugh has further developed his practice through painting masterclasses at the National Art School in Sydney, Australia. Alongside his creative work in the media industry, he continues to exhibit across Australia, with his artworks held in private collections throughout New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
The selection of "Whirl" as a finalist is a significant milestone for McHugh, highlighting the strength and versatility of his evolving practice. We are delighted to debut Michael’s sculptural works later this year as part of his highly anticipated solo exhibition, where audiences will have the opportunity to experience this exciting new direction firsthand.
