National Artist's Self-portrait Prize

The National Artist’s Self-Portrait Prize is one of the most prestigious and generous in Australia, with this year’s UQ Art Museum award attracting the works of 39 leading artists. Entry is on an invite only basis, with the winning artwork acquired by UQ museum and the winner taking home $50000.

The focus this year was the prevalence of the self-image in the reality TV and ‘I take a selfie therefore I am’ age, with the result an intriguing exhibition themed remix. post.connect.

In it the artists explored the impulse to present, manipulate or change aspects of the self through artworks across a range of media and not just the traditional means of self-portraiture.

Despite the digital era of mass self-imaging, one thing remains constant and that is the self-portraiture in whatever its guise, not only provides an insight (true or fabricated) into the individual but also into the wider cultural trends, values and ultimately heritage.

And importantly, it also keeps debate and conversation alive around issues of identity and individuality.