ABOUT THE ARTIST

 

Melanie McCollin-Walker is an award-winning artist known for her luminous, contemplative interpretations of the lutruwita/Tasmanian landscape. Working primarily in acrylic on linen and charcoal on paper, her practice explores themes of solitude, self-reflection, and deep connection to place. Originally from Barbados, McCollin-Walker relocated to Tasmania in search of immersion in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring environments. What she found was something even more profound: an enduring and transformative bond with the ancient river systems of the takayna / Tarkine region.

​

Her work is shaped by intimate encounters with these remote landscapes—often experienced whilst kayaking—which allow her to engage with the terrain on a visceral level. Through subtle tonal shifts, delicate layering, and a quiet sensitivity to light and form, McCollin-Walker creates atmospheric works that evoke both reverence and fragility. Each painting becomes an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, and with ourselves.

Central to her artistic intent is a desire to open a dialogue about our relationship with the natural world. Her paintings speak to the quiet urgency of preservation, encouraging a deeper awareness of the delicate balance we inhabit.

​

In recent years, McCollin-Walker’s work has gained significant recognition. She was awarded the People’s Choice in the 2024 Glover Prize and named a finalist in the 2025 Hadley’s Art Prize—two of Australia's most respected awards for landscape art. She continues to exhibit nationally, with a growing audience drawn to the gentle power and meditative presence of her work.