Adelaide College of the Arts Visual Arts student Shalini Kacker has been awarded the People’s Choice Award in the prestigious 2025 Adelaide Parklands Art Prize for her painting La Robe Rouge (The Red Dress), a vibrant, symbolic tribute to the natural beauty of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

Her work was also selected as a finalist in the Adelaide Park Lands Art prize, which celebrates visual interpretations of Adelaide’s iconic park lands.

Shalini created the painting during her Core 1A Painting class as part of her Diploma of Visual Arts [CUA51120], under the guidance of lecturer Eleanor Alice.

The inspiration for the piece began with a photograph she captured during an en plein air class excursion to the Botanic Gardens, a moment that would spark the creative journey behind her award-winning artwork.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a finalist and then to win the People’s Choice Prize,” Shalini said.

“The photo I took that day of the Lipstick Palm trees with their vivid colours and surrounding foliage immediately captured my imagination. I knew I had to paint it.”

Titled La Robe Rouge (French for The Red Dress), the painting explores colour, form and symbolism through nature.

“The ‘dress’ in the title metaphorically refers to the cyclical shedding and renewal of plants in nature,” she explained.

“I was fascinated by the contrast of greens and reds, and how these natural elements echoed human expressions of beauty, elegance and transformation.”

The artwork was completed over four weeks in the painting studio and enriched by the feedback and support of her classmates.

“My classmates were such a beautiful bunch, they were constantly encouraging, offering feedback and celebrating small wins along the way,” she said.

“Eleanor’s guidance was instrumental too. She shared the Art Prize information with our class and really encouraged us to apply.”

Shalini also spoke warmly about her experience studying at TAFE SA’s Adelaide College of the Arts.

“The painting studio became my happy place. I truly love the environment, the staff, the students, everyone is so friendly and approachable,” she said.

“I feel incredibly privileged to study here. I’ve learnt so much in just over a year. Not just technical skills, but also how to express myself through my art.”

Now in its twelfth year, the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize invites artists to explore and celebrate the unique landscape of Adelaide’s Park Lands through visual art.