The undeniable power of Josina Pumani’s Maralinga
Josina Pumani’s electric ceramic work Maralinga—recently recognised at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards— deftly excavates a long-hidden past.
Since its inception in 1965, the Portia Geach Memorial Award has showcased portraiture by female painters in Australia.
This year, Jenny Rodgerson took out the $30,000 prize with her self portrait, Bound by the big red coat.
The 2016 judging panel included: Samantha Meers, a trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales; Eleonora Triguboff, art publisher and AGNSW trustee; and Jane Watters, director of S.H Ervin Gallery.
“Jenny Rodgerson’s work displays great technique and captivates the viewer with its penetrating gaze as she stares out from the painting,” they said. “The work conveys an inner strength and determination and the judges were unanimous in their selection of her work as the winner.”
The annual Portia Geach Memorial Award was established by Florence Kate Geach in memory of her sister Portia.
Works by all 55 finalists are on show in the Portia Geach Memorial Award exhibition.
Portia Geach Memorial Award
S.H. Ervin Gallery
Until 18 December