By Abbey Cannan
A Noosa-based artist has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious Brisbane Portrait Prize which attracted an astounding 672 entries in only it’s second year.
Georges Soler’s entry is among the 71 finalists selected to show at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
“I’m very happy to be part of such a richly diverse event and to be able to weave my own unique strand into the complex multicultural tapestry that is South-East Queensland,“ Mr Soler said.
His painting is a self-portrait and he has chosen to displace the human subject to the edge of the frame to give center-stage to a small stand of rainforest.
“I started this painting a few years ago and worked on it intermittently while building a house and studio,“ he said.
“I laid down the first layers quite quickly and then progressively transformed and refined the work by eliminating what I considered excessive and enhancing features which subtly express multi-sensory connection to place and memory.“
Since moving to the Noosa Hinterland his appreciation of the natural environment has deepened and this is increasingly reflected in his growing body of work made in his Kin Kin studio adjacent to a small bushland conservation area.
“The Noosa Hinterland provides a great diversity of well-protected and cared for natural environments as well as a network of like-minded creatives,“ Mr Soler said.
“I’ve always known I was an artist at heart, drawing and painting prolifically from an early age and continuing this practice throughout my adult working life.
“I was finally able to attend art-school as a mature age student, and things really took off for me when I built my studio in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland.“
The finalists’ exhibition runs until 1 November and there is extensive coverage on the Brisbane Portrait Prize website.
