NQ high-schooler Ciaran Glasheen makes finals of famous portrait prize

A Townsville high-schooler is making waves in the art scene after being selected as a finalist in one of the nation’s most esteemed art competitions – the Brisbane Portrait Prize. Check out his work here.

Cathedral student Ciaran Glasheen is in the running for the Brisbane Portrait Prize for his painting titled 'Dad likes striped shirts'.

A Townsville high-schooler has been selected as a finalist in one of Australia’s most famous art competitions – the Brisbane Portrait Prize – for his painting of his father titled ‘Dad likes striped shirts’.

Cathedral Year 12 student Ciaran Glasheen said his painting was based on the theme of coming to terms with the identity of your parents.

“My father was selected as the subject because I often struggle to understand that his character extends beyond simply the role of a parent,” Ciaran said.

“The striped shirt plays a major role in the work, as many close to him recognise this as an extremely notable symbol of him, worn almost every day.”

Not surprisingly, the art department at The Cathedral School are over the moon about the recognition Ciaran has been picking up in the Australian art scene this year.

'Dad likes striped shirts' by Ciaran Glasheen. The Townsville high school has submitted the piece into the Brisbane Portrait Prize.

Visual arts teacher Jenna Dann said the 17-year-old was “undoubtedly” on a path to a long and successful career in the arts.

“His talent and dedication are rarely seen in someone so young, and we are incredibly proud to support and celebrate his journey,” Ms Dann said.

Year 12 student Ciaran Glasheen

This isn’t Ciaran’s first brush with art prizes – this month the high-schooler also won the Junior section in the Cameron & Co Swim Art Prize for his oil and graphite on wood painting of silhouette before swimmers embark on the Townsville to Magnetic Island swim.

Trailing by Ciaran Glasheen. This painting won the recent Cameron and Co Swim Art Prize junior section.

The moody atmosphere of that painting won over local judges in The Drill Hall.

The first sale has already happened after Ciaran’s artwork in a recent Umbrella Studio exhibition sold on opening night.

‘Dad likes striped shirts’ is a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize ‘Next Gen’ competition.

Originally published as NQ high-schooler Ciaran Glasheen makes finals of famous portrait prize