Brisbane Portrait Prize: Have your say

Portrait Prizes are often controversial and this year Brisbane Portrait Prize is no exception. Have your say by voting in The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award here, writes Phil Brown.

Brisbane Portrait Prize judge Lisa Slade with work by artist Darren McDonald called Like a Bridge at the Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Darren McDonald’s artwork Like a Bridge has left art supporters divided after taking out the $50,000 Lord Mayors Prize at the Brisbane Portrait Prize.

But art is a subjective business and anyone who has other ideas about which works should have won can still influence the outcome of The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award which awards $7500 to the artist and work most admired by the public.

Meanwhile chief Judge Dr Lisa Slade stands by what she has described as a “brave” work which movingly portrays the artists ailing mum, Violet.

Some have gone as far as labelling McDonald’s piece as “an insult to portraiture artists” while others disagree, feeling inspired by the piece, which was painted in just one sitting.

Dr Slade said despite the criticism, the artwork captured her attention from the moment she laid eyes on it. “This artwork spoke to me immediately,” she said.

“There was a sense to which there was no looking back once I saw this work. It‘s a brave work and it might well be a brave choice, but I would say to everyone that art should always court controversy. When making the announcement, I knew my decision may receive some less than positive feedback, which is why I had my getaway car ready to go!”

Artist Monica Rohan and her painting of musician Asha Jefferies with Brisbane Portrait Prize director Anna Reynolds. Rohan’s work can be seen in the Brisbane Portrait Prize finalists exhibition at Brisbane Powerhouse - Photo Steve Pohlner

Brisbane Portrait Prize Director Anna Reynolds said this year’s winning work was a win for art and a win for humanity. “It’s a highly personal and loving portrayal of a mother by her son, a well-respected artist who’s not afraid to push the boundaries,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We are very appreciative of all the feedback received towards Darren’s artwork and respect that not everyone agrees with the choice. Art is like music, in that not everyone likes the same thing. But we should respect the rigour and experience of the judges and have a respectful and informed discussion.”

Bianca Beetson was a category winner with her self-portrait Maid, Monsters of Men

“Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we encourage the public to head to our website to see all this year’s finalists and cast their vote in The Courier-Mail’s People’s Choice Award for a chance to have their say. Art is so much better in real life and our exhibition has been meticulously curated to provide a wonderful viewing experience for visitors, so I do encourage everyone to come down to the Powerhouse to see the pieces in person too.”

The Brisbane Portrait Prize finalist’s exhibition is on at Brisbane Powerhouse until October 30 and voting closes for The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award on Thursday.

To view the finalist artworks and winning pieces head to Finalists Exhibition or you can also head to the Brisbane Portrait Prize Facebook page to join in the discussion on this year’s winning artworks.

brisbaneportraitprize.org