We are thrilled to unveil the hero artwork for the 2025 Undercover Artist Festival: ‘My Abstract World’ by Annika Strand.
This stunning acrylic on canvas piece will be the visual centrepiece of the festival where we encourage artists to ‘Push It!’.
33 incredible submissions were made from all over Australia, each with a fresh perspective and design that represents the 2025 Undercover Artist Festival where we celebrate creativity, resilience, and the spirit of ‘Push It!’ – push boundaries, push buttons, and push for change.
‘My Abstract World’ is a vibrant, thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of freedom, happiness, and a fresh start.
Through ‘My Abstract World’, Annika challenges us to examine our own understandings of participation, collaboration, and self-determination, making it a perfect representation of the spirit of our festival.
Annika’s use of bold blues, contrasting again the black and gold elements, join together with the abstract shapes that fill every corner of the canvas. Tying into the 2025 festival theme, ‘Push It!’, her artwork represents a colliding theme of being observed, judged and misunderstood, yet Annika responded to this experience with vulnerability and strength by creating a true and unfiltered piece which not only represents herself and her lived experience, but the viewers’ reaction and own point of view.
This piece was made under the strain of daily life, in response to being rejected from participating in a youth art program – a rejection that ignited a new form of expression in her artist journey. Annika made this work with her entire body in view of the public, to push the boundaries of traditional art-making and encouraging viewers to join her journey of self-reflection and discovery.
Image: Annika Strand’s artwork ‘My Abstract World’
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‘My Abstract World’ asks the viewer to be uncomfortable and reflective. My use of colour and composition builds the storytelling, allowing the audience to lean in and take the journey with me. I ‘Push It’ by being tender with my audience and holding a space to allow collaboration and conversation.
Annika Strand
Festival Director Madeleine Little shared her excitement about selecting ‘My Abstract World’ as the hero artwork for 2025.
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Annika Strand is a gifted and bold artist, whose vibrant work resonated instantly with the whole team. Her artist statement brings nuance and vulnerability to the ‘Push It!’ theme and invites everyone to join in reflection. We love the light and shade, the boldness of the blue contrasted with the black and gold elements, and the abstract shapes that draw your eye to every corner of the artwork. Annika’s work stood out for its powerful narrative and striking visual impact.
Madeleine Little
Annika is thrilled to have her work selected as the hero artwork for our festival, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled! Winning across the national submissions is impressive, and I’m excited to connect with the community of creatives at the festival. This opportunity is not just exposure and validation, but also a chance to be involved in multiple aspects of the festival and get paid for my work. It’s so good!!”
Living in South-East Queensland, Annika is a passionate Visual Artist, Curator and Arts Practitioner who explored various artist styles over the years. From Impressionism to Abstract, and more recently Text-based and Textile Art her work is deeply personal and often reflects her emotions and experiences.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Annika Strand’s ‘My Abstract World’ as we start rolling towards the 2025 Undercover Artist Festival. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into how this extraordinary artwork will shape the festival’s visual identity and inspire our community to ‘Push It!’ in their own creative journeys.
Undercover Artist acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present, and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their unique cultural and spiritual relationship to land, water and seas and their rich contribution to society.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
