Louisa Chircop is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into enigmatic interpretations of the shadow self, blending personal experiences, feminism, art history, and psychological phenomena. She began her formal art education at St George TAFE, where she earned an Associate Diploma in Fine Arts and was awarded the NSW State Commission Medal for Fine Arts and won the prestigious Basil Muriel and Hooper Scholarship at the AGNSW in the same year. Louisa continued studies at UNSW, where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with First-Class Honours and a Master of Fine Arts in Research, supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship.
Louisa has received numerous accolades, including the James Gleeson Prize for Surrealism at Campbelltown Arts Centre (twice), the FOH Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award, and the Highly Commended Paddington Art Prize. Her work has been acquired by the Kedumba Collection of Australian Drawings, a significant national collection. She has been awarded significant national and international artist residencies including the prestigious Bundanon Trust AIR and MUZA AIR at Malta’s National Gallery of Fine Art.
Her achievements have been recognized by leading Australian art critics, including mentions by SMH’s John McDonald and Guardian Art Critic and ABC Arts Presenter Andrew Frost, who has twice selected her as Critics’ Choice Sydney. Louisa has also featured in Artist Profile Magazine, and she has been a finalist in major art prizes such as the Dobell Prize at AGNSW, the Portia Geach Memorial Award at the SH Ervin Gallery, the Adelaide Perry Prize at PLC Sydney and the Triennial McClelland Splash Contemporary Watercolour Award Victoria.
She is internationally represented by MarieGallery5 & Arts Advisory in Malta and Galerie Heimat in Saint Rémy de Provence, France. She teaches a wide range of art disciplines to both adults and children, including mixed media, clay, drawing, painting in all media, printmaking, and sculpture.
Louisa teaches watercolour to all ages at Hazelhurst Arts Centre and delivers education programs throughout the year.
Hear Louisa Chircop discuss her practice recorded as part of the 2024 Broadhurst Gallery exhibition Hazelhurst Painter Teacher.