Media

The subjects included a newspaper sub-editor, an artist's two year old son, a Greens politician, and an independent MLC, but the judges have voted Self Portrait with a Cow near Richmond as the winner of the inaugural RACT Insurance Tasmanian Youth Portrait Prize.

A total of 43 entries were received from all over the State, from emerging artists aged 30 years or younger. Rose Bay resident Hilton Owen, who painted Self Portrait with a Cow, wins $5,000 from RACT Insurance, as well as a trip for two to Sydney (courtesy of RACT Travelworld) to view the Archibald Prize for Portraiture.

The winner was chosen by a judging panel including the Chair of the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board, Saul Eslake, Tasmanian Archibald prize winner Geoff Dyer, and Josie Hurst, Exhibitions and Public Programs Officer, Devonport Regional Gallery.

"I chose to paint a self portrait to satisfy my desire to reproduce a memorable moment of time in my life," said Hilton, in the submission which accompanied his entry. "There was a great feeling that came over me with being in a dry, dusty Richmond paddock next to a cow. My mood was one of happiness, excitement, and curiosity."

(Attached to this release is a photo of the winning entry, and the runner up)

Runner up in the Prize was Ulverstone's Susannah Hart, who also entered a self portrait. "This piece represents the viewer with a less conventional interpretation of a portrait," said Susannah's accompanying submission, "veering away from the traditional emphasis and association between the face and portrait." Her painting depicts Susannah's torso and bowed head.

Judge Geoff Dyer said the Prize highlighted what he called the artistic bravery of younger artists. "The standard of entries was very, very, high, and they were created without the inhibitions that sometimes mark the work of older artists.

"I am not aware of another competition like this in Australia, and it will provide the entrants with enormous confidence to further develop their artistry."

The winners were announced tonight (April 1 at 7.00pm) at Wrest Point's Boardwalk Gallery in Hobart, by the CEO of RACT Insurance, Ralph Doedens. Earlier in the day, Mr Doedens announced the organiser's choice of best painting: Self Port with my Hand by Hobart's Jacob Leary. The organiser's choice came from a vote of staff at RACT Insurance, Clemenger Advertising, and Tasmanian Regional Arts.

A selection of entries will remain on public exhibition at The Sidespace Gallery in Hobart's Salamanca Place from April 3-14; the Design Centre, Launceston (cnr Tamar and Brisbane Sts) from April 17-27, and the Burnie Regional Art Gallery from May 2-18.

ENDS

For further information, Ralph Doedens this afternoon on: 0407 018 175. Media are welcome to attend this eveningís announcement of the winners which commences at 6.30pm at Wrest Pointís Boardwalk Gallery.

* Accompanying this release is an image of Self Portrait with Cow near Richmond, by Hilton Owen, and Self Portrait by Susannah Hart

EMBARGOED: Please remember this release is embargoed until winners announced this evening at 7.00pm