Trinity College Queensland’s annual Faith and the Arts competition once again brought together a rich tapestry of creativity, conversation, and courage. Held on Friday evening, the final Faith and the Arts event celebrated artists and storytellers whose work invites reflection on faith, identity, and the human experience.
Principal Scott Downman reflected on the role of art in shaping spiritual conversation:
“The one thing art does is it provides stimulus to launch a discussion about faith. The artworks in this year’s Faith and the Arts competition are not uniform in theology or perspective – they present different theological and faith insights. However, in this difference they make us pause, reflect, and they may even challenge long-held views we’ve held closely. That is the power of art and that’s what makes this competition so significant.”
This year’s competition showcased a variety of media—from painting and textiles to documentary storytelling—each piece offering a distinct lens into how faith takes form in everyday life.
First place was awarded to Lola for her painting, a deeply moving reflection on culture, identity, and the resilience of women. In her artist statement, Lola shared:
“I hold a deep and enduring faith in humanity—especially in our ability to see, hear, and care for one another. My submission is rooted in this belief: that storytelling through art can be a powerful force for empathy, justice, and change.”
Her painting began as a personal reckoning with generational expectations but evolved into a tribute to countless women whose voices have been silenced by shame. At the centre of her work, a newborn child—naked and unprotected—represents both vulnerability and strength. The gold earring inscribed with the Arabic word for “shame” stands as a quiet act of defiance, symbolising faith in truth, healing, and liberation.
“I believe that art can challenge what has long been accepted and bring visibility to what has long been hidden,” Lola continued. “Through shared understanding, we can begin to loosen the grip of harmful traditions and rewrite the narrative for future generations.”
Second place was awarded to Mackenzie for her documentary, while Gayle (table runner) and Michael (documentary) received Highly Commended recognition. Rhianna (watercolour) and Jess (painting) were also Commended for their outstanding work.
Trinity College Queensland congratulates all entrants for their creativity, thoughtfulness, and vulnerability in exploring how faith intersects with art. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be featuring selected works from the competition on our social media channels — celebrating the artists whose work helps us see faith anew.
