Art award finalists named
Seven Wellington artists have been named as finalists in this year’s Adam Portraiture Award – Tessa Meyer, Christine Gregory, Alyce Welbourne, Martha Mitchell, Shane Jackson, Clark Roworth and Peter Bujdoso.
Along with well-know Kiwis – including musician Chris Knox and artist Fiona Pardington – 37 artists with portraits depicting friends, family members, colleagues and several compelling self-portraits.
The shortlisted artists represent a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and professions – from a paramedic to a veterinary surgeon, retired marine biologist, secondary school teacher, student, and graphic designer, each individual brings a unique story to their portrait.
The biennial award, sponsored by The Adam Foundation and presented by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, is one of the country’s longest running art prizes which brings $20,000 and national recognition to the winner.
All portraits must be predominantly painted, and subjects have to be a New Zealand resident or citizen.
Previous winners include Jessica Gurnsey in 2022 who remains the youngest person to have won, Sacha Lees in 2020 and Logan Moffat in 2018.
The winner will be selected at the start of the public exhibition showcasing finalists’ works at the NZ Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata. An additional prize of $2500 will be awarded to the runner up alongside another $2500 prize for People’s Choice, awarded at the end of the exhibition.
Judges Felicity Milburn, Lead Curator at Christchurch Art Gallery, and Wellington-based artist Karl Maughan reviewed and shortlisted the entries. The winner will be announced on May 22 and the exhibition will run from May 23 to August 11.