An exhibition celebrating the 45 finalists featured in fifth instalment of the Maldon Artists Network’s annual Maldon Portrait Prize exhibition at Cascade Gallery has drawn to a close.
However, art enthusiasts now have the opportunity to view all 160 incredible works entered in this year’s prize as part of MANet’s online exhibition and cast a vote for your favourite in the ‘People’s Choice Online Prize’ at maldonartistnetwork.org.au
On the website you will find an image of each work and a short description on the piece from each of the artists.
The task of selecting a 2025 finalist and a semi-finalist was the responsibility of renowned portrait artist, Graeme Drendel – the winner of the Doug Moran National Prize 2022, and Archibald finalist, whose works are held at the National Portrait Gallery.
The 2025 winning portrait and $10,000 prize proudly supported by the Hillary Merkus Recordati Foundation was awarded to Esther Schouten with her painting Kate Hudson in Her Studio (Currawong’s Visit). The 2025 Emerging Artist Portrait Prize was awarded to Anh Nguyen for her Short-Sighted Self-Portrait as Roman Statue.
The winner of the People’s Choice Online Prize will be awarded $500.
Among the 160 entries in this year’s prize was a portrait of Mount Alexander Shire’s very own mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, by Campbells Creek artist Eleni Rivers.
Eleni said when she first thought about who to paint, one name kept coming to mind: Rosie.
“She’s an extraordinary young woman with a fascinating background – both relatable and human, yet strong in her values and principles,” Eleni said.
“When I reached out to ask if she would sit for the portrait, her response was, ‘Isn’t there someone more important you’d like to ask?’ I found this so endearing, especially since Rosie is truly an important figure to so many of us in this community,” she said.
“I chose a relatively small format for the painting, which turned out to be more challenging than expected. Capturing a facial likeness on such a small scale was tricky, but after pushing through the difficulty, I ended up with a piece I was proud of. Rosie was pleased with the final result.
“While many were surprised that my painting didn’t make it into the final selection for the Maldon Portrait Prize, I’m content knowing that Rosie’s portrait now sits proudly in her office, where it truly belongs. That’s what matters most.”
Cr Annear said she never thought that she’d ever have her portrait painted.
“When Eleni contacted me, I asked her if she was sure she wanted me to be her portrait subject – I didn’t feel enough. She told me that she was positive I was the right person to capture – a local woman of significance,” Rosie said.
“Eleni made the whole process so comfortable and let me be myself. Her portrait is bright and busy and captures such a lot of me, just as I am.
“She asked me to hold a totem – I chose a ceramic creature, made by a local artist, a guardian. In the portrait, it’s hard to make out its form. Eleni told me that when people ask me what I’m holding, she answers, ‘Her power’. I love that.”
Be sure to jump online and vote for your favourite today. Voting will be open until September 10.
