Image above: Christine Wrest-Smith Portrait of Susan Johnson oil on linen 122 x 92cm
Congratulations to Christine Wrest-Smith who has been selected for the Brisbane Portrait Prize with her painting of Susan Johnson!
Susan Johnson is an award-winning Brisbane writer, whose books have been shortlisted for many literary Prizes, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the Queensland Premier’s Prize for fiction and the Nita B Kibble Award.
“Doing this portrait was one of the best experiences of my life. I was looking for a notable Brisbane sitter, and a friend introduced me to Susan. I’m a real reader, and I love writers, so there was a rich exchange.”
During sittings at Susan’s home, Christine Wrest-Smith sought ideas for the composition. “Susan is an accomplished, intelligent woman living a rich and fulfilling life whilst having experienced many joys and sorrows. In the work sits a sculpture of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite alluding to Susan’s successful memoir Aphrodite’s Breath reflecting recent travels with her late Mother Barbara.”
The exhibition will run between August 3rd and November 10th
in the slq Gallery at the Queensland State Library
For more information and to view the online gallery of the finalists’ work, visit the Brisbane Portrait Prize website