Liam Nunan, Jonny Hawkins
Judges’ comments:
Like all good portrait’s portrayal of his friend Jonny Hawkins reveals just enough to encourage us to search for more. And there is more!
Jonny’s introspective, downcast gaze, the sombre palette the brooding expression are tantalising lures that draw us closer to this man.
We want to know more about his relationship with Liam and how this document of their friendship materialised. The artist’s statement is another intriguing hook.
How do we reconcile this ‘moment of reflective contemplation’ with Jonny’s ‘infectious grin’ and ‘love of disco’? Although new to painting Liam is attuned to the humanity of his subject, and that makes him a worthy winner of this important prize.
Jeff Bryant, Lazarus
Judges’ comments:
What an arresting self-portrait. Here the viewer is moved beyond the biblical narrative of Christ’s raising of Lazarus from the dead, and is drawn directly into the psychological realm. Presenting more than the likeness of a person, we share the electric shock of Lazarus as he is rudely awoken; startled eyes and hand thrusting out of the picture’s space into our own as if to grab us. This meditation on mortality is well supported by the artist’s handling of paint so that we feel the weight of the body on the couch and its fleshiness, as well as the contrasts between smooth shroud and the rough fabric of the cushions.
Nicole O’Loughlin, The artist mother is present
Judges’ comments:
Incorporating the aesthetics of weaving, embroidery and textiles (traditionally deemed ‘women’s work’ and subsequently positioned as political), Nicole O’Loughlin’s composition is embellished with an array of symbolic flora and fauna. Yet, the image speaks directly to female artistic endurance. Many personas are present within this ‘self-portrait’: we find a maker, a working mother, as well as reference to some of the greatest women artists of the 20th and 21st centuries (including a title nod to Marina Abramovich). In this way, the artist ‘works’ the image: literally and metaphorically weaving together a medieval icon, matrilineal art history and her own personal experience. O’Loughlin uses the portrait genre as a means to celebrate the numerous layers and constellation of influences that comprise us all. A highly commended work.
Lori Pensini, Banksia grandis
This is a love story—it is my family’s story. It tells of love lost, forbidden and endured; of discrimination, shame and division of which my family wasn’t immune. It is important for my person and myself as an artist to paint the courage, resilience and the sheer resolve of character my forbears modelled. They empower me, their laudable threads woven intricately into the fabric of my being. They ground and grow my inner strength, and, in turn, give rise to fertile beds to nourish my children.
Jordan Andreotta, Sr flora
I first met Sr Flora in 2017 when I began teaching at Iona Presentation College. There was an immediate sense of warmth and welcoming about her. Sr Flora has recently retired, after being a significant and influential member of the College for the past thirty years. My portrait aims to depict Sr Flora in a contemplative pose—capturing a presence that she has become renowned for by staff, students and the community. Her gaze and facial expression—as she looks back on all of her experiences—reflects a life of compassion, joy and purpose.
Jordan Andreotta • Lisa Axiotis • Antoinette Barbouttis • Elizabeth Barden • Natasha Ber • Julie-Ann Brown •Jeff Bryant • Elle Campbell • Doreen Chapman • Joshua Cocking • Daveena Cox • Patrick Cremin • Martie Curtis • Phillip Edwards • Stacey Evangelou • Sharman Feinberg • Sebastian Galloway • Jenni Gray • Benjamin Howe • Sean Hutton • Stephanie Jowett • Nicole Kelly • Torsten Knorr • Stacey Korfiatis • Rosemary Lee • Camilla Loveridge • Harry McAlpine • Andrew Nicholls • Emi Ninoseki • Liam Nunan • Nicole O’Loughlin • Lori Pensini • Rebecca Pierce • Kendell Pike • Lynn Savery • Oliver Shepherd • Liz Stute • Wade Taylor • Justine Wake • Narelle Zeller
Ph 08 9423 5116
PO Box 1110
Nedlands WA 6909
