Sawa was awarded the prize from a pool of more than 100 Queensland-based visual artists, or artists with a close connection to the state, who were able to demonstrate their commitment to artistic practice.

The award was presented by competition judge and respected art curator Anne Kirker.

"The wall-based works were either paintings, photographs, assemblages or drawings, but none of them were conventional and therefore these descriptions don't sufficiently convey the innovation they all showed," said Kirker.

"Interestingly, photography was strongly represented in the shortlist and may reflect the continuing interest in this field for contemporary expression that is evident throughout Australia and further afield."

VIEW ALL

Clayton Utz's Brisbane managing partner Michael Klug said Sawa's photography was a stand out amongst a very talented field.

"Clayton Utz would like to congratulate Ms Sawa on her impressive achievement and we look forward to following her career."

"The quality of the 23 finalists was very impressive and Clayton Utz is very pleased to be able to give all short-listed finalists additional exposure by displaying their works for 12 months at Clayton Utz's Brisbane offices in Riparian Plaza."

Gold Coast artist Sonya Peters received the $1500 Highly Commended award for her charcoal drawings, while Jason Fitzgerald was awarded the $500 Student Encouragement Award.