Lester Prize finalists feature self-portrait of Albany-raised artist Katty Adano

An eight-week exhibition of the finalists of this year’s Richard Lester Prize in the Art Gallery of WA features the work of Albany-raised artist Katty Adano.

Adano’s work, titled Reflection, features in the exhibition among the work of the 40 finalists in WA’s premier portrait prize.

The work is a self-portrait completed in graphite pencil on paper.

Adano’s artist statement says she “can reveal the unnoticeable aspects of life and reflect on the complexity of the human identity” through her art.

“My focus is to highlight the struggles we face in accepting and embracing our differences,” the statement said.

“I believe self-portraiture allows us to explore our internal and external characteristics, consider imperfections, enhance details, and realise our own personality.

“In observing the true essence of the object or figure, I find myself drawn to hyper-realistic achromatic portraits.”

The $50,000 prize has become one of the most recognised and prestigious art prizes in Australia in the 17 years since its inception, with nearly 950 works entered into this year’s prize.

Judges awarded this year’s top honour to Tarryn Gill’s Limber, a self-portrait in relief completed in textiles on board.

Other prizes were awarded to Minjung Kang, Liz Stute, India Mark and Sarah Paton.

Among the finalists were 12 artists from WA, 11 from Victoria, eight from New South Wales, four from Queensland, four from South Australia and one from Tasmania.

“We were thrilled with the level of engagement with The Lester Prize through submissions of works by artists throughout Australia, as well as the judges’ enthusiasm and our sponsor support,” Lester Prize executive director Annie Silberstein said.

“I encourage everyone to come and view the 40 finalists on display at AGWA over the next nine weeks and cast their vote for the Baldock Family People’s Choice award.”

The exhibition will run until November 26 at AGWA and will travel to Collie Art Gallery in March next year.