The Lester Prize: Recent Episodes
The Lester Prize
The official podcast for The Lester Prize for Portraiture. You'll hear the stories behind the portraits from artists and their subjects. The Lester Prize exhibition will run at the Art Gallery of WA's Centenary Galleries but look out for regional tours too! You can find out more about the prize, programs and how to make a donation by visiting lesterprize.com.
The Lester Prize is back! With more stories from artists and their subjects about what they've captured in this years portrait exhibition. The Lester Prize exhibition will run at the Art Gallery of WA's Centenary Galleries until the 29th of November 2021. You can find out more about the prize, programs and how to make a donation by visiting lesterprize.com.
Artist Stirling Caiulo says "it takes courage to live under the thunder". He speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Jordan Andreotta says his artwork is a reflection on the past year of his life, as there have been many challenges that have been thrown his way. He speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Jordan Richardson says his self portrait speaks to the absurdity of the act of staring at oneself for hours in attempt to capture a likeness. He talks to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Jenny Davies was intrigued by WA Premier Mark McGowan's popularity with Gen-Z and his wide online appeal on TikTok and other social media platforms. She speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Cameron Richards says his subject, musician Michael Dunstan, was open about his personal battle with mental health through his commitment to the present and connection with nature. Cameron wanted to capture that in his portrait. He speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Anne McCaughey says the portrait of her friend Steph depicts a strong woman with a hidden story to tell. She speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Desiree Crossing says her portrait looks at the sense of disconnect between those we travel with and a pervasive feeling of entrapment which points to an unspoken covenant of this modern lifestyle we live. She speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Melissa Clements says her portrait asks the viewer to release control, instead of scrutinising the painting, they are called to consider the feeling of being scrutinised by the painting. She speaks to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Artist Nathan Paddison says his self portrait reflects his current life as he feels like a child when he paints. He speaks to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Sidney Tapia met his subject Siaosi on Pitt St in Sydney while he was asking people for change. They sat and conversed about one another’s lives. Sidney speaks to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein. His portrait, 'Through you', was this year's winner of the $50,000 Richard Lester Prize for Portraiture.
Eric Pearce is one of Australia’s most accomplished athletes having competed in 4 Olympic Games in the Australian Hockey team. Artist Jana Vodesil-Baruffi says she was struck by his humility and humour which ensures that one is always very comfortable in his company. She speaks with Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Anne Middleton is well known for her botanic and portrait paintings. Anne says working on portraits is like painting a landscape of a person. Susan Alberti AC is an Australian businesswoman and was Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, but Anne wanted to portray Susan in a more private light. Anne speaks to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Ben Howe describes his portrait as pandemic art. He wanted to pay tribute to his strong, independent mother who has been alone during the pandemic. He speaks to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
Evert Ploeg is recognized as one of Australia's foremost portrait and figurative artists with seven major works currently in the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Evert was taken by Anne Schofield and her antique jewelry. He spoke to Lester Prize CEO Annie Silberstein.
The Lester Prize is back! With more stories from artists and their subjects about what they've captured in this years portrait exhibition. The Lester Prize exhibition will run at the Art Gallery of WA's Centenary Galleries from the 31st of October to the 29th of November 2020 . You can find out more about the Prize, programs and how to make a donation by visiting lesterprize.com.
Stacey Evangelou is joined by her subject, former athlete and proud Wiradjuri/Wolgalu man Joe Williams. They talk mental health, culture and the unlikely friendship that was forged between them during the creation of this portrait.
Craig Soulsby on the culture wars, individualism and Jordan Peterson, all ideas that inspired his portrait, 'The archetype of the self'.
Michael O'Connell and his childhood buddy Ian Rakich discuss Covid-19, friendship and artistic pursuits.