A young Hobart artist’s depiction of solitude in an every day setting was today recognised as
the emerging portraiture talent in Tasmania, being named the winner of the 2013 RACT
Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture Prize (TPP).
The award, now in its sixth year, saw judges Robert O’Connor, Maurice O’Riordan and Greg
Leong faced with a tough task in finalising their decision, this year awarding the 2013 TPP to
North Hobart’s Alex Davern.
Chair of the judging panel and editor of Art Monthly Australia, Maurice O’Riordan, said the
calibre of entries in this year’s TPP was very strong, showcasing everything Tasmanians
have to offer the art world.
“It was a very tough decision for Robert, Greg and I, however, Alex’s portrait offered an
interior space to the portraiture genre that intrigued us all,” Mr O’Riordan said.
“The way in which his piece, Untitled (solitude), embodies the individual and interior setting
was quite unique, not to mention the composition, scale and technical skill.
“Alex should be very proud as he is certainly a deserving winner.”
Mr O’Riordan also commended this year’s TPP runner-up, Launceston’s Nik Lee for his
digital piece, The land shadowed by everyone’s moving mountain, Chapter nine.
“This year’s runner-up was also very competitive, we all felt the artist hit a great balance with
his work and the concept of the piece was again quite unique,” he said.
“The way in which the piece has soft political undertones with regards to immigration as well
as how the portrait conveys this, was definitely a deciding factor.”
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said he was proud to once again be associated with the
Tasmanian Portraiture Prize and its contribution to art and creativity in the State.
“As the only locally based insurance company in Tasmania, we are proud to support
activities such as the TPP and would like to acknowledge all the artists who entered this
year,” Mr Sayers said.
“I would like to congratulate the winner of the 2013 RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture
Prize, Alex Davern, as well as runner-up Nik Lee as I know the judges had a tough time
reaching a decision.
“I would also like to acknowledge this year’s sponsors choice winner Emily Blom with her
work, In the Path of Others.”
Mr Sayers said that while three category winners had now been announced, he would like to
urge everyone to view all the pieces and cast their vote for the Peoples’ Choice.
“Voting for the 2013 RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture Prize Peoples’ Choice will close
at the end of the exhibition season with the winner announced on Tuesday, 26 November,
so I would urge all Tasmanians to get along to the exhibitions and cast their vote at
www.tastpp.com.au,” he said.
This year’s judging panel consisted of the 2011 RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture
Prize winner Robert O’Connor, editor of the national journal Art Monthly Australia Maurice
O’Riordan, and renowned visual artist Greg Leong.
The 2013 competition received more than 70 entries and was established to create a
platform for emerging Tasmanian artists to exhibit their talents, while also creating a piece
reflecting life in 21st century Tasmania.
As the winner of the 2013 RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture Prize, Alex Davern will
receive $5,000 in prize money and a trip for two to the Archibald Prize exhibition in Sydney,
while Nik Lee will receive $2,000 to assist with studio rent.
RACT Insurance encourages all Tasmanians to come along and support the State’s
emerging artists at the TPP exhibition in the Long Gallery in Hobart from 5 – 15 September.
The Devonport Regional Gallery from 28 September – 27 October and the Sawtooth Gallery
in Launceston from 2 – 25 November.
For all artist statements and full catalogue of works click the following link:
http://www.taspp.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7796_2013_Catalogue_of_Works_for_web.pdf
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers
