The 2021 Lester Prize Launches At AGWA This Week, And We’re Giving Away An Art-Filled Staycay To Celebrate
One of Australia’s most recognised and prestigious portrait prizes, The Lester Prize, is returning for 2021 with 40 finalists selected out of more than 750 entries from around the country.
Formerly known as The Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, this will be the awards 15th year and the 40 finalists’ work will be on public display in the Art Gallery of Western Australia for six weeks from this Saturday 16 October until Monday 29 November.
The stunning array of pieces feature 15 self-portraits along with a few famous sitters including The Veronicas, WA Premier Mark McGowan and Victorian MP Dr Helen Haines, family members, inspirational figures, past sporting greats and revered indigenous elders.
#statedaddy by Jenny Davies
The common theme is unsurprisingly self-reflection and isolation as a result of the pandemic, with the artists vying for a spectacular prize pool worth over $100,000, including a $50,000 main prize!
In addition to the exhibition, art enthusiasts can embark on a Lester Prize Portrait Pathway Art Walking Tour with Oh Hey WA, showcasing their Portrait Pathway installation scattered throughout the Perth CBD.
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With the winner being announced this Friday and the exhibition kicking off on Saturday, we’re incredibly excited to be teaming up with the organisers and sponsor The Alex Hotel, for an inspiring and art-filled competition that includes an overnight stay, breakfast for two and a $150 voucher to spend at Shadow Wine Bar.
That’s not all, with the winner also receiving a hardcover book of Through The Artists Eyes (RRP $90), documenting the history of the prize, plus a copy of the 2021 Exhibition Book (RRP $15), tickets to an exhibition workshop learning techniques from the artists themselves (RRP $90), AND tickets to the Oh Hey WA Walking Tour (RRP $20).
It’s honestly one of the coolest prizes we’ve ever had the pleasure of being able to giveaway, so head to the Instagram post below and get entering right now!
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For more info on the 2021 Lester Prize Exhibition, workshops and walking tours, head to the Lester Prize Website now.