An Archibald Prize (2011) finalist, Abdul Abdullah is the recipient of the inaugural $15,000 Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize 2019.

Australian Muslim Artists is an annual exhibition hosted by the Islamic Museum of Australia, and 2019 marks the first occasion the Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize –  supported by La Trobe University – has been offered.

Perth born Abdullah, now residing in Sydney, submitted his work, You can call me troublesome. Upon hearing the news, Mr Abdullah said it is an honour to be selected for the award.

“It’s really hard to describe how much I appreciate this recognition. I am looking forward to visiting the work in the exhibition and really look forward to seeing all the other finalists,” he said.

The thirteen shortlisted works will be on display as part of the exhibition alongside the five shortlisted works in the Future Australian Muslim Artists category, which was open to students in Years 10-12.

Fifteen-year old Hashim Mohamed, a student from Australian International Academy is the recipient of the $250 non-acquisitive art prize in the Future Australian Muslim Artists category.

Islamic Museum of Australia General Manager Maryum Chaudhry said the Museum is thrilled with the breadth of works included in the exhibition across both categories.

“Overall the quality of submissions was of an extraordinary standard. This year saw an unprecedented level of interest from artists across the country, and we attribute this in part, to the new acquisitive Art Prize which we are thrilled to offer thanks to La Trobe’s support,” she said.

Professor John Dewar, Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University, said he was delighted Abdul Abdullah had been selected as the inaugural Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize recipient, sponsored by La Trobe.

“La Trobe University offers our sincere congratulations to Mr Abdullah on such an outstanding and well-deserved achievement,” Professor Dewar said.

“Our support of the Australian Muslim Artists exhibition and Art Prize – a core component of our deep collaboration with the Islamic Museum of Australia – reinforces our shared commitment to transforming lives through education and connecting with diverse communities.”

The Australian Muslim Artists exhibition is on display from 13 September – 8 November 2019.

The Islamic Museum of Australia is located in Thornbury, in Melbourne’s north. It is the only Islamic museum in the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences for all ages. The Museum is open 10am – 4pm, Monday to Saturday.