Bunbury Regional Art Gallery holds prestigious national portrait display

The best portraits from across the nation will call Bunbury home for the next two months, as the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery plays host to Australia’s most prestigious art display.

A selection of finalists for the 2022 Lester Prize for Portraiture will be on display until May 28, the final stop of a national tour of the esteemed works.

The Lester Prize is a renowned art initiative with a prize pool worth more than $105,000, including $50,000 for the Richard Lester Prize for Portraiture, drawing more than 700 entries from painters across the country.

City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel made the visit to BRAG on Thursday morning to celebrate the renowned display coming to the South West, sharing his praise for the talented artists.

“This is the most prestigious art prizes across Australia and a very big achievement for all involved,” he said.

“The display has been doing the tour around Australia so it’s great to have it here in Bunbury and I’m really encouraging people to get down here and have a look.”

Out of the 50 finalists, 11 hailed from Western Australia with Port Hedland talent Sophia Alone named the winner for her portrait of her grandfather entitled Respect Grandfather Kutri Makanykarra.

While no South West entries were among the finalists, Mr Miguel said it was great to see regional talented recognised on the national stage.

“It’s always good to see our WA artists doing well and of course, all the artists from across Australia,” he said.

“Every time I come down and walk around, you can really appreciate some of the incredible works and talented people we have in the South West, WA and right across Australia.”

“It’s free entry to the gallery so I’d really encourage everyone to come and have a look at what what’s on offer and really appreciate what they are show at the gallery.”

Along with the exhibition, 2022 finalist Andy Quilty will be running a Drawing Fundamental workshop on May 20 with tickets going on sale from April 3.