The BP Portrait Award is currently at Aberystwyth Arts Centre : its only showing in Wales. This exhibition is the most prestigious portrait competition in the world, promoting the very best in contemporary portrait painting.
With a first prize of £25,000, the exhibition has proved the launch pad for the careers of a number of successful portrait artists.
From a record 2,177 entrants, submitted by artists from around the world, this show presents fifty-eight selected works including the three artists shortlisted for the prize – David Eichenberg for ‘Tim II’, Michael Gaskell for ‘Harry’ and Daphne Todd for ‘Last Portrait of Mother’ which was ultimately the winner .
From intimate and personal images of friends and family, to revealing portraits of celebrity sitters, the exhibition presents a variety of styles and approaches that together illustrate the vitality of contemporary portrait painting.
Visitors to the exhibition at Aberystwyth Arts Centre are encouraged to vote for their favourite portrait ; the list of ‘people’s favourites’ will be available at the end of the showing.
The National Portrait Gallery has also launched the BP Portrait Award ‘Next Generation’ project. Inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the project will extend engagement with young people around the Award. Annual Summer Schools and an interactive website will offer new opportunities for learning, inspiration and creativity through portraiture – more information will be available through the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The exhibition runs from 2 February until 26 March 2011.
