The National Portrait Gallery is thrilled to announce nine finalists have been selected from the national call for entries for the Digital Portraiture Award 2017.
The Digital Portraiture Award finalists for 2017 are:
Mundatjŋu Munuŋgurr, NT
Timothy Hillier, VIC
Patrick Bell, QLD
Ralph Kenke, NSW
Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu, NT
Sabella D’Souza, NSW
Sue Healey, NSW
Josh Owen, ACT
Samantha Sommariva, VIC
Judge and Director of Learning and Visitor Experience at the Portrait Gallery, Ms Karen Vickery, credits the nine finalists’ submissions as strong examples of the breadth and application of digital portraiture.
‘The judges were impressed by the quality of entries this year, particularly in the area of sound application. Themes of female, male, queer and racial identity flow through many of the finalists’ works. Each one is beautifully executed in the exploration of identity, contributing a different voice and interpretation,’ said Ms Vickery.
‘There are also some firsts this year. Two artists from the Northern Territory entered as individuals but created their works side-by-side. While selected independently, their works speak to each other in a unique and expressive way. For the first time in the history of the Award the judges have selected an installation piece as one of the finalists, a work that investigates the ubiquitous nature of selfie culture and may provide an interactive component for our visitors.’
The winner will be announced at the exhibition launch on Friday 1 December 2017 at 11.00am. This year’s winner will receive $10,000 cash courtesy of the Portrait Gallery and an artistic residency valued at $15,000 at State Library of Queensland’s community makerspace, The Edge, which empowers creative experimentation across digital technologies.
The Digital Portraiture Award 2017 will be on display from 1 December 2017 until 18 February 2018, entry is free.
