Congratulations to Monica Rohan and Leonard Brown who have both been announced as finalists in the 2022 Brisbane Portrait Prize with their works ‘Asha Jeffries’ and ‘The Cypriot / Chris Gaynor’. The artists discuss their portraits below:
“I’ve painted Asha with an open, relaxed pose and direct gaze reflecting the vulnerability and self-assuredness she expresses through her music. She’s stood on her verandah in Highgate Hill which overlooks a swaying expanse of greenery, the view from her creative space where she’s been writing her next album. I’ve tried to convey a weightlessness in the shimmering floorboards and diffused light of the overcast day when we met.”
— Monica Rohan, 2022
“Chris Gaynor and I met at a QCA painting symposium. I had an interest in seeing what Chris could teach me about my own religion and heritage…it turns out quite a lot.’ Chris of Cypriot / Irish heritage and Greek Orthodox, I understood a friendship was certainly possible, following this first meeting it was understood we shared common references. Since then, our friendship has grown, built on mutual enthusiasm over numerous meetings and events, as well as being a guest in each other’s homes and studios.”
— Leonard Brown, 2022
The winner will be announced 5 October and the shortlisted finalists will have their portraits on display at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Brisbane Powerhouse, Exhibition Spaces
29 September – 30 October 2022
For more information, please click here.
Image credit: Monica Rohan, ‘Asha Jeffries’, 2022, oil on board, 90.0 x 60.0 cm