Underwater Photographic Artist Beth Mitchell 2021
The 2021 Brisbane Portrait Prize has displayed its strongest exhibition of artists yet with acclaimed local art photographer Beth Mitchell claiming the prestigious $50,000 Lord Mayor’s Prize for her captivating self-portrait titled No Land In Sight.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said more than 550 entries were received, with winners across nine categories selected by the judging panel from an impressive list of 75 finalists.
“The Brisbane Portrait Prize may only be in its third year, but already it’s become the people’s prize that unites both established artists and the city’s brightest up-and-coming talent,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Local artists need our support right now and this competition gives them a platform to showcase their incredible talent while celebrating Brisbane.
“Artist Judy Watson, Olympic swimmers Cate and Bronte Campbell and Brisbane music icon Reg Mombassa are among some of the notable faces to feature in this year’s winning portraits.
“Right now, all 75 short-listed finalists are on public display at Brisbane Powerhouse and I encourage everyone to visit this exhibition and judge for themselves the impressive range of entries.”
Brisbane photographer Russell Shakespeare’s portrait The Artist Judy Watson took out the $10,000 Accenture Prize for Digital Portraiture, with the $5000 2021 Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists going to Tish Lineham for Path of Focus: Portrait of Cate and Bronte Campbell.
Wiradyuri man Birrunga Wiradyuri also impressed to claim the $5,000 Packer’s Prize.
Community, Arts and Nighttime Economy Chair Vicki Howard said the final winner rested in the hands of Brisbane residents, with voting now open for The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award.
“The judges have had their say, now it’s time for the people of Brisbane to cast their vote for the artwork that speaks to them the most,” Cr Howard said.
“Residents can go online via the Brisbane Portrait Prize website with voting closing on Friday 15 October and they can also view the 75 short-listed finalists in the flesh at Brisbane Powerhouse until Sunday 31 October.
“Artists that didn’t make the shortlist will also get the chance to showcase their works in the Salon des Refusés, which will be held at the Royal Queensland Art Society Petrie Terrace Gallery from Thursday 7 to Sunday 31 October.”
To view all 2021 Brisbane Portrait Prize winners, or for more information, visit brisbaneportraitprize.org.
The 2021 Brisbane Portrait Prize winners are:
Lord Mayor’s Prize – $50,000
Proudly presented by Brisbane City Council. All entries into the Brisbane Portrait Prize are eligible for the Lord Mayor’s Prize.
Beth Mitchell – No Land in Sight
Accenture Prize for Digital Portraiture – $10,000
Supported by Accenture. Any digitally created still work, including photography is eligible for the Digital Prize.
The Artist Judy Watson – Russell Shakespeare
Performing Arts and Music Award – $7,500
Supported by the Lister Family Foundation. This award is open to portraits featuring sitters from the performing arts and music industries.
Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists – $5,000
Supported by the Clem Jones Foundation. This award is open to all individuals who identify as women.
Tish Linehan – Path of Focus: Portrait of Cate and Bronte Campbell
Highly Commended Artists In 2021. The Chief Judge chose to name two highly commended works:
Work 1: Monica Rohan – Mon and Mitch
Work 2: Liam Nunan – Cat Văn-Davies
Packer’s Prize – $5,000 Prize
Supported by Howard Smith Wharves. Chosen by the staff and volunteers who hung the 2021 finalists exhibition.
Birrunga Wiradyuri – Burundhang Gunhungurran (Night Rainbow)
Next Gen Prize – $2,000
Supported by Gadens. This award is for the best portrait by an entrant 18 and under.
Support for Emerging Artists – $1,000 Voucher
Supported by Oxlades.