rising star — jeewan suwal: emerging art accolade
Our small island is bursting with creative talent. And Handmark’s Jeewan Suwal has just been officially recognised as one of the emerging artists we should keep on our radar.
The RISE Awards recognise up-and-coming Tasmanian artists. Each year, the curators at Launceston’s QVMAG select a handful of emerging artists whom they have earmarked as future stars. Jeewan is one of just 11 people selected for RISE 2026. “This came completely out of the blue and was a total surprise, but I feel very honoured to be chosen,” Jeewan says.
Born and bred in Nepal, Jeewan has only been in Tasmania for five years but is clearly making his mark on the local arts scene. The muted colours of his abstract landscapes drip with powerful emotion as evidenced in his three paintings selected for the RISE Exhibition: Mt Wellingtoness, is a homage to the ever-present kunanyi: “Our beautiful mountain always gives me peace of mind and makes me feel protected.”
Hobart’s omnipresent River sparks happiness. Echo of Derwent River was painted on a still winter’s day. “The silence. The reflections. I feel eternal joy.” Jeewan also ventures to the Tasman Peninsula and another special place. His painting, The Remarkable Cave exudes drama. “The grey sky, and the dark blue of the Southern Ocean. The powerful image of the rock and light.”
The RISE Exhibition has just opened at Launceston’s QVMAG and runs until May 17