Perth-based artist Tarryn Gill has won the 2023 Richard Lester Prize for Portraiture, taking home the $50,000 main prize for her self-portrait titled Limber (self-portrait in relief).
It is Gill’s first time as a finalist for The Lester Prize, WA’s premiere portrait prize which is in its 17th year and regarded as one of Australia’s most recognised and prestigious art prizes, with a prize pool valued at more than $115,000.
Gill’s award and other prize winners were announced on Thursday at the Art Gallery of WA where the 40 finalists’ works will be exhibited until November 26.
When submitting her artwork — created with textiles on board 90 x 65cm — Gill said it reflected on her personal history as a dancer performing body contortions and her growth through hypermobility, instability and injury.
The multidisciplinary artist is known for making works in various mediums including sculpture, photography, installation, drawing, video, performance and theatre set, costume and prop design.
Judges Alan R Dodge, Gina Fairley and Emma Bitmead all remarked that her portrait demonstrated a resolved artistic practice through its confidence of making and visual language.
“The work uses materials powerfully to present a harmonious bodily and gestural portrait,” they said.
“Gill’s work is a challenge to perceptions of portraiture, without ostracising the viewer. It is a very accomplished study of self.”
This year’s finalists included 12 artists from WA, 11 from Victoria, eight from NSW, one from Tasmania and four each from South Australia and Queensland.
“Again we were thrilled with the level of engagement with The Lester Prize through submissions of works by artists throughout Australia, as well as the judges enthusiasm and our sponsor support,” Lester Prize executive director Annie Silberstein says.
“I encourage everyone to come and view the 40 finalists on display at AGWA over the next nine weeks and cast their vote for the Baldock Family People’s Choice award.”
The Baldock Family People’s Choice Prize and the winning voter will be announced no later than December 1.