I am beyond privileged to hang as an Archibald prize finalist for 2023.
I have had the extreme pleasure of painting one of the most important people on the planet, in Professor Michelle Simmons AO FRS, FAA, FAAAS, FAPS, FTSE, FInstP, Dist FRSN, 2018 Australian of the Year — a bonafide national treasure!
Michelle is a professor of quantum physics and global leader in quantum computing research.
What mattered most to me in entering this year was that my subject mattered. I read about Michelle’s mind-blowing work, and found in her the perfect subject — especially in a zeitgeist where we are challenged by the rapid changes that computing has afforded us. Michelle is not only a titanic intellect, she proved to be wholly generous and was happy to experiment on her image. To this end, I sought to express her warmth and generosity in my portrait.
I am honoured to hang in this beautiful edifice that is the AGNSW, but mostly honoured to honour her.
As if being a finalist wasn’t thrilling enough, my painting has been selected for the cover of the Archibald catalogue for 2023. This is an honour that I can barely fathom, as the AGNSW has made my work the leading (and lasting) face of the exhibition, and also features in the street advertising and digital marketing campaign.
Participating in this competition comes with an incredible amount of goodwill from friends and strangers alike, and my experience in 2023 has exceeded all expectations.
The exhibition is INFINITELY more interesting in the flesh, and the “People’s Choice” prize is still up for grabs. Do yourself a favour and see the exhibition at the gallery, and DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE for my painting for the “People’s Choice” award!
View the portrait online: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/…/archibald/2023/30543/
The Archibald Prize 2023 is on display at the Art Gallery of NSW until 3 September 2023.
