The Archibald Prize 2012 – Finalists

Juan Ford, Ultrapilgrim

It’s that time of year again in the Australian art scene. The annual Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art prizes. It’s awarded to the best portrait painting, preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics. Here’s a selection of some my favourite finalists from the 2012 shortlist. You can view more at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Michael Peck, Self portrait in the image of my son

Vincent Fantauzzo, Kimbra (the build up)

Robin Eley, Bibliography

Natasha Bieniek, Fluoroscuro

Angus McDonald, Tim Maguire

Andrew Young

Jeff Hamada over at BOOOOOOOM! posted some very tidy pieces by Andrew Young. Young is a 2nd year student at Capilano University and these portraits have a really nice raw cut-and-paste texture to them.

Lou Mora

Some people say that lifestyle photography was invented by a cartel of evil advertisers in order to sell aspirational products to unsuspecting consumers seeking to fill the emotional void they feel inside that modern living created. Personally, I think that’s bullshit. Especially when looking at lifestyle photography as good as Lou Mora‘s. The brother isn’t selling anything – except some serious aesthetic talent. His photography just feels so right. It evokes fun afternoons spent with friends and the wind in your hair. Mora is a deft hand and portraits too and recently took out the Go Indie photography competition in the Pro Portraiture category.

Check out some of his photos in the gallery below and see more at his website.

[via NOTCOT]