We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Finalist: 16-18 year olds

Jasmine Goon The discovery of recovery

Age 17

16-18 year olds

This self-portrait reflects on the most enlightened version of myself. Managing and coping with mental illness has been a challenge in my daily life. Lately, my perspective and mindset have transformed. Negative things that’ve happened in my life may not have been my fault, but it’s up to me to fix them. I evolve every day – even if it means that I stand alone in what I believe. I’ve become someone who defeats their own struggles.