Tawhai Rickard's artistic reputation continues to rise - as has his bank balance.

The National Contemporary Art Award is a hotly contested one, both in terms of its prestige and its top prize of $20,000 - an entry list of over 420 works highlight the weight it holds.

At the Opening Gala at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato on Friday night, Rickard (Ngaati Uepohatu, Ngaati Porou) was selected for the supreme award ahead of 40 other finalist artworks for his entry Scenes from a Victorian Restaurant.

Rickard posted on social media "I would like to convey my deepest gratitude and appreciation for this profound award and those who have created and financed this extraordinary event for my fellow artists and I to express our hearts and minds through our creative expressions; in these unprecedented times."

In describing his latest award-winning work, Rickard states "Scenes from a Victorian Restaurant is an installation that partially examines the cultural nuances of Aotearoa, New Zealand from a social and political perspective. It is a visual ode to the bicultural relationship between Māori and non-Māori. 

"The setting is a Victorian restaurant with wall hangings that feature scenes pertinent to our country’s cultural landscape. These are presented in an anti-chronological nature promoting historical and contemporary characters and narratives. The aesthetic integrity of my work aligns with our country’s bicultural foundations through the use of Victorian baroque elements combined with the figurative painting style of my ancestral house Hinetapora circa 1896. 

"The title of this work transpired during the conceptual process, being influenced by one of progressive rock’s musical classics. The song's storyline and two main characters are decontextualised in accordance with the eventual breakdown of our country’s bicultural foundations and the abiding invitation to return to it."

The awards were decided by guest judge and highly respected arts curator Melanie Oliver, who explained her views on the winning entry.

“Rickard’s work Scenes from a Victorian Restaurant invites viewers to take a seat at the table, challenging us all to engage in a discussion on the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa. It is a provocation that is nuanced and generous, prompting us to think about the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and our failings in terms of Te Tiriti. This work clearly speaks to the most pressing issues of our time.”

There were others with plenty to be proud of as well, with several other awards shared.

Sung Hwan Bobby Park was announced as the $7,500 runner-up for his digital photograph, BTM 조상 초상화 Ancestor Portrait which he describes as "a series of ceramic sculptures and fiber works, interrogates the South KoreanJudge military's homophobic policies and treatment of LGBTQ+ people."

Toipoto artist Sara (Hera) Tautuku Orme stated she's "Feeling full to the brim" after being recognised as one of the two $1,000 Merit Award winners for her photograph Darling, Tēnei Au, along with Hannah Ireland for Stained Cheery Wine (watercolour, ink and acrylic on found window).

The work of Rickard and all the selected finalists will be on display at Waikato Museum until 12 November, with free entry offering the ideal opportunity to take in some of the best contemporary artists in Aotearoa.