Local artist, Jacqui Clark has had another of her works recognised at the highest level.
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Jacqui’s painting of Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty has been accepted into the Portia Geach Exhibition at The Rocks - and gives her a chance of winning the $30,000 first prize.
The exhibition has been in existence since 1965 and is for female artists only.
Jacqui is thrilled to have such a special and meaningful artwork accepted for display.
“I did this painting of Rosie especially for the Portia Geach exhibition and to have it accepted is a real privilege,” she said.
Jacqui has a very close connection with Rosie Batty.
She did a painting of her son, Luke Batty who was bashed to death by his father at cricket practice, which is now synonymous with Mrs Batty’s campaign to fight domestic violence through her Luke Batty Foundation.
“Rosie is an amazing woman who is so inspirational to others. She is absolute proof that one person really can make a difference,” Jacqui said.
Jacqui said she painted Luke after watching the Four Corners program more than 12 months ago.
“I just felt I had to do it. Rosie was so strong, I was moved by her strength and I wanted to do it for her.”
Jacqui and Rosie communicated initially via phone and emails but actually met in July.
“I had mentioned to her that I wanted to paint her and she was very keen and supportive of me to do it.
“It was wonderful finally meeting her in person and I was able to get to really know her and see her features.
“I started doing sketches straight away and the painting really came quite naturally. I knew how I wanted to do it and how it should feel like, as I already had this strong connection with her.”
Jacqui’s painting of Rosie is 1.12m by 1.5m and was painted specifially for the exhibition, which opens on September 17 and closes October 25. Jacqui said she hasn’t thought about what she will do with the painting once the exhibition is over.
“I haven’t told Rosie yet, but I will probably give it to her.”
Jacqui also completed an amazing portrait of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki which she entered in the Archibalds, but it was not selected for the final exhibition.
The Portia Geach exhibition is held at the SH Ervin Gallery, housed in the historic National Trust Centre on Observatory Hill. Entry fees are $7 (general admission), $5 for seniors and concessions or $4 for National Trust Members. Children under 12 free. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
