We’re honoured and delighted to announce the expert judging panel for The Lester Prize 2025.
This year’s panel will bring their unique experience to the competition. They will select the winners of the Richard Lester Prize for Portraiture ($50,000), the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize ($5,000) and a Highly Commended Prize (up to $3,000) which will be exhibited at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip from 19 September – 16 November 2025.
Dr Christopher Allen is an art critic and historian. A graduate of the University of Sydney, Christopher has worked at the Collège de France in Paris and the National Art School, and is currently Senior Master in Academic Extension at Sydney Grammar School.
He is the author of Art in Australia from Colonisation to Postmodernism (1997), French Painting in the Golden Age (2003) and several other books, including Jeffrey Smart: Unpublished Paintings 1940-2007 (2008).
He was art critic of the Australian Financial Review from 2005 to 2008 and since 2008 has been national art critic for The Australian.
Susanna is an Associate Professor at Curtin University, where she is Director of the John Curtin Gallery.
An accomplished artist, lecturer, writer, and HDR supervisor, Susanna is an active member of the Australian arts community and previously held the position of Dean of Research in the Faculty of Humanities. Widely recognised for her dedication to developing and supporting others through various academic and community roles, Susanna brings extensive experience as both an academic and creative researcher.
Her award-winning artwork is held in numerous public collections, and she maintains a strong track record of engagement across the creative industries and tertiary education sector. Susanna is a member of the Print Council of Australia and served as a Director on the Board of PICA for over five years.
Margaret Moore is the Director and Founder of Moore Contemporary, following a distinguished career in curatorial practice and arts management with a focus on contemporary art.
Since its launch, Moore Contemporary has delivered over 50 projects, represents 20 artists, and has participated in major Australian art fairs. Moore has contributed to significant public art commissions, advisory roles, publications, and exhibitions, and has served on several arts boards.
Previously, she was Curator and Program Manager for Visual Arts at Perth Festival (2008–2015), held key roles at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the National Gallery of Australia.
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