Vivian Falk named as a finalist in the National Contemporary Art Prize
Vivian Falk's portrait of Mark Leibler has been announced as one of 30 finalists in the National Contemporary Art Prize.
The detail in Vivian Falk’s portrait of Mark Leibler is astounding.
From Leibler’s proud smile through to the individual photo frames in the background – which Falk explained took a week each to complete – Leibler’s essence shines through.
The portrait, A Man of Values, depicts Leibler in his office, and as Falk told The AJN earlier this year, was inspired by his “profound dedication to justice and advocacy”.
“His unwavering commitment to causes such as Aboriginal and Israeli rights resonated deeply with me, fuelling the creation of a portrait that seeks to capture his integrity and leadership,” she said.
While it was originally painted for submission to the Archibald, the portrait did not progress into the finalist stage. Undeterred, both Falk and Leibler decided to submit the artwork to the National Contemporary Art Prize (NCAP).
This morning, it was announced that A Man of Values is one of thirty finalists.
When chatting to The AJN, Falk explained that just like Monet used iridescent whites in his famous Waterlilies, so too do the iridescent oil colours in her painting reflect light which as she writes in her artist statement, “bring the shimmering artwork to life”.
Falk’s paintings have been widely exhibited including at the Australian embassy in Washington and Parliament House in Canberra and Sydney. She won the 2021 Wallenberg portrait prize for her depiction of Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, and the 2012 Clifton’s Australasia Art Prize for her portrait of racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse, and she has been a finalist in many prestigious art competitions including the Archibald.
She told The AJN she is exceptionally excited to be named as a finalist for the National Contemporary Art Prize, which will be exhibited in Canberra from Friday 27 September.
According to the NCAP, the Prize was “established to “support and showcase Australian artists and celebrate their skill and diversity”.
Leibler himself was amazed at the level of detail that Falk included in the artwork.
“Vivian is a talented artist, whose portraits have been recognised with significant awards over the years. So, when she approached me last year, asking to paint my portrait, I was really quite honoured,” he told the AJN earlier this year.
“In terms of the finished product, I’m struck by the detail she’s captured of things that surround me when I’m in my office each day – documents, photographs, Aboriginal artwork, right down to the bottle of water placed on my desk.”
As well as the Open, First Nations and Sustainability prizes, there is also a People’s Choice Award which opens today. The public are invited to vote online for their favourite artwork, with the award going to the artist who receives the most votes.
Winners will be announced on 26 September at the official exhibition opening and award night.
Readers are encouraged to jump onto the website and vote for A Man of Values by visiting ncapart.com.au/pca-contest-2024
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