September 23, 2010

Peteris Ciemitis has received the Black Swan Prize for his portrait of Australian performer, festival director and arts advocate Robyn Archer.  Judges comprised Artrinsic Board Member, Carl Altmann; former Chair of the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), Helen Cook and Director of the AGWA, Stefano Carboni, who remarked: “The colours are subtle while the finer details are suggestive of the underlying structure of the sitter’s features.  In addition, there is that delightful essential which is the assured ability to draw.  It was Michelangelo who maintained that before one could paint, one must be able to draw, which means that the artist has to be skilled in observation and engagement with the sitter.  The painting invites the viewer to come in close as though to examine the landscape of the face.”

The 2010 Black Swan Prize drew extensive National entries, and hung 42 finalists reflecting work by leading artists from each State.  In recognition of its rapid ascent, the Prize was also the subject of a documentary production.

View an excerpt from the documentary here: