One of Australia’s foremost colour painters, Tomislav Nikolic, is the recipient of this year’s $80,000 Bulgari Art Award for his painting Just before the most significant events, people are particularly prone to deny the possibilities of the future. (cause all we’re doing is learning how to die). The annual Award aims to support Australian contemporary painters in the middle of their careers. Sponsored by Bulgari, it consists of a $50,000 acquisitive cash prize, meaning his Just before… will enter the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ collection, and a residency in Rome valued at $30,000.

^{Tomislav Nikolic Just before the most significant events, people are particularly prone to deny the possibilities of the future. (cause all we’re doing is learning how to die) 2014-17}

“We see the Bulgari Art Award as both a celebration of, and support for, Australia’s visual artists and a unique opportunity for Bulgari to assist to strength the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ permanent collection”, managing director of Bulgari Australia Brad Harvey said. “Tomislav Nikolic’s work is an extraordinary example of his signature form of abstraction and we are delighted to announce him as the 2017...