Three Darling Downs teens were named as finalists in the Amplify – Through My Eyes art price.

Run by the Queensland Family and Child Commission, the prize asked young people to reflect on the challenges of 2020.

In a year gripped by social upheaval, Oakey teen Jazmin Johnson looked for the common thread that united protesters.

“We are all Australians,” Jazmin said.

“It doesn’t matter if we have different sexualities, or race or gender, we are all Australians.

“So I put all this object around the Australian flag to show that we are all the same.”

The state competition aimed to give young people a voice, by asking them to respond to one of three themes; community, hopes and dreams, or issues important to young Queenslanders.

It drew entries from across the state, from Brisbane to the bush.

Jazmin said her generation was ready to speak its mind.

“People think kids are just on their phones and they don’t know anything, but we do,” she said.

“We read the news and see what is happening.

“It is because of our phones and the internet we have easy access to the world.

“I wanted to show that I know what is happening around the world.”

Click here for a full list of finalists.

Originally published as Three Darling Downs teens named finalists in state art prize