The winners of one of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes, The Lester Prize were announced at gala event on Friday night 15th October.

Team DUG was delighted to be at the event having become a partner of The Lester Prize in 2021!

Hearty congratulations to the worthy winners whose work was chosen from a field of over 750 entrants. The Lester Prize pool of prizes is now valued over $100,000 including the main prize of $50,000 cash. This year’s winner was NSW artist Sidney Tapia for his portrait of Siaosi Feiloakitau titled Through You. This beautiful work was also awarded the Barton Family Foundation Installers’ Prize, similar to the Archibald Packing Room Prize.

AGWA Installers Ako Roberts, Beau Spall, and Adrian Baldsing said that “This artwork was chosen amongst portraits in which the ‘Gaze’ coming from within the subjects played a large part, as there are many varied senses conveyed. Some are dower and others peaceful, compassionate and knowing. The eyes of Tapia’s subject are looking back…a quick determined flash, to gain perhaps…a demand for recognition or a simple stare to communicate ‘catch up!’ – A fine artwork above all else.”

All the finalists of this year’s Lester Prize can be viewed on their website here.

Or if you’re in Western Australia, you can experience them for yourself at the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Centenary Galleries until 29 November 2021.