Portrait of model sister in the running for Young Archie art comp
James Stibilj’s portrait of his model sister India landed him as a finalist in the coveted Art Gallery of NSW Young Archie competition, which for eight years has run parallel to the prestigious Archibald Prize.
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Beautiful young model India Stibilj has been photographed by the best in the biz. But it took her 18-year-old brother to get her portrait into the Art Gallery of NSW.
James Stibilj’s painting of the Carla Zampatti and Romance Was Born model is a finalist in the Young Archie award, which for eight years has run parallel to the prestigious Archibald Prize.
Young Archie winners will be announced by the AGNSW on Saturday in four age categories.
James falls into the oldest section now that he’s on his gap year after doing his HSC in 2019.
James and India, 17, live with their parents and two other siblings in Wahroonga on Sydney’s north shore. India is sitting the HSC while juggling her modelling career.
“She’s been such a big part of my life. We’ve always been extremely close,” James said.
“We grew up in Singapore for most of our lives, and it just brought us closer together.”
The family returned to Sydney in 2012, where James continued to pursue his love of art. India prefers working in the kitchen.
“India’s a great cook and baker, and she’s amazing at sewing and embroidery,” James said.
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India had “remained authentic to herself in a world notable for its superficiality”, James’s artist statement said.
“She stands for a new era of modelling — one where creativity, talent and a strong personality take reign, honouring the art and innovation of fashion.”
This year’s Young Archie judge is Parramatta artist Marikit Santiago, who won the AGNSW’s Sulman Prize last month.
Santiago looked for portraits that told a story rather than being a mere likeness.
Santiago’s three children, aged two to six, actually helped her make her Sulman-winning work. They even helped her paint a mural at Sydney’s Yavuz Gallery, where Santiago’s work is currently on view.
There are 40 finalists in the Young Archie. The Archibald Prize, announced last month, was won by Vincent Namatjira for his painting, Stand strong for who you are, featuring the artist and AFL legend Adam Goodes.