Artist: Jana Vodesil-Baruffi
Subject: Paige
Title: Black swan
Judges’ Comments:
Dr Sarah Engledow, Wendy Sharpe and Melissa Harpley
“This is a powerful confronting image. Intense and moving with a meaningful use of black. Superbly arresting subject. Brilliant use of paint. Very interesting, subtle contrast between two figures, one withdrawn and one bold. Defiant gaze but it’s also reproachful, like a wounded ghost emerging from the darkness, about to be re-absorbed (from Hamlet’s father). Portrait compositionally powerful. Successful use of dark background from which figure emerges. Beautifully painted flesh, hair and fabric. Compelling. Shows two sides of subject vulnerable and defiant/strong. Close observation of human condition. Tough work.”