This is the first in our run down of all the shit that we love that we’ve seen has been entered into the 2013 Archibald Prize – theres a few more to come, and hopefully we’ll see some of this stuff go all the way to the final prize!
Adnate has been producing some amazing work on the streets and in the gallery and we’re proud to announce he is entering this year’s prestigious Archibald prize.
“The Archibald Prize is awarded annually to the best portrait, ‘preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia” (from the Archibald website).
From the media release:
“Melbourne street artist Adnate paints inspiring Indigenous Australian beauty Samantha Harris for Archibald Prize 2013
Discovered through Girlfriend magazine’s 2004 model search, Samantha Harris has been charming her way across the world’s fashion platforms since she was fourteen. Even to those unfamiliar with the fashion industry, her hauntingly dark eyes and pouting, bee-stung lips are recognisable.
However, the disarmingly beautiful twenty-two year old is a symbol and national icon as much because of her past as her present and potential. As an Indigenous Australian, a culture where, historically, aspiration must battle daily with stigma, Samantha stands for strength, determination and mold- breaking beauty.
As a subject for Melbourne aerosol artist Adnate’s 2013 Archibald Prize entry, Samantha is perfect. Since his progression from graffiti to his unique approach to fine art portraiture, Adnate has produced several bodies of work that encapsulate and inspire discussions about cultural diversity, ethnicity, and perspective. He demonstrated a particular intrigue into the allure and spirituality of Australia’s indigenous community with his 2012 exhibition Lost Culture.
To Adnate, Samantha’s representation of a neglected community that is ‘better left unseen’ and her emergence as one of Australia’s most celebrated young models marks a positive and necessary shift in the beauty paradigm. He says the painting “is not just an elegant portrait, but a powerful examination that questions what is accepted as beautiful enough to be seen.”
Media Enquiries
John Wiltshire, Ambush Gallery 0433 015 780
02 8399 0707 john@ambushgallery.com
Editor’s Notes
Born and raised in Melbourne, Adnate has carved a niche in the contemporary art sphere. Applying his impeccable aerosol technique to the development of large-scale realistic portraits, Adnate has established a signature style that is recognisable the world over.
Adnate began his artistic career as a graffiti writer over ten years ago. He spent that time painting the streets and perfecting the art of letterform, but Adnate later switched focus and began his ongoing study of the human form.
He finds inspiration in the work of such Renaissance artists as Da Vinci and Caravaggio, and employs classical chiaroscuro techniques to imbue his portraits with drama and emotion.
A member of Melbourne’s AWOL Crew, Adnate has exhibited in Melbourne, Spain and Germany and painted walls across Europe, America, India and Australia.”
Check out this awesome video by Michael Danischewski of Adnate painting the piece and the actual piece as well.
Best of luck man!!!
Samantha Harris by Adnate
Video by Michael Danischewski.
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *