A Path of Focus:
Portrait of Cate and Bronte Campbell
Tish Linehan
- Sitter: Cate and Bronte Campbell
- Medium: Ink and Acrylic on Paper
- Dimensions: 100 x 64 cm
- Representation: The artist represents themselves
- Category: Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists
2021 Sylvia Jones Award for Women Artists
Proudly supported by
Clem Jones Foundation
About the artwork and sitter
Sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell have travelled the path of competitive swimming together, sharing the spirit of determination, courage and focus along an immeasurably challenging road.
Born in Malawi, Cate and Bronte moved with their family to Australia in 2001, joining the Indooroopilly Swimming Club soon afterwards. They attended Kenmore State High school and live in Brisbane. Bronte and Cate have represented Australia in three and four Olympic Games respectively. Alongside a passion for swimming, Bronte has studied Public Relations at QUT, while Cate studied Mass Communication.
“This portrait reflects the strength, wisdom and focus of the Campbells”
About the artist
Tish Linehan is a Brisbane based artist and art teacher. She works in ink on paper, ceramic sculpture and mixed media. Her work is predominantly figurative with a focus on human experience. Born in the United Kingdom, she grew up in Yass and Canberra and moved to Brisbane in 2006.
Judge's Notes
Tish Linehan’s double portrait in ink and acrylic on paper of champion swimmers Cate and Bronte Campbell exudes physical strength and mental determination. The lightness of the palette highlights the physical tonality, youthful athleticism, and sporting prowess of the sister duo.
Their gaze in unison is compelling and powerful. Their successful careers are reflected upon and celebrated alongside their shared focus and spirit as the work captures an important moment in time for these highly regarded sports women.
Karen Quinlan
Director, National Portrait Gallery Australia
2021 Judge
About Sylvia Jones
The $5,000 Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists is proudly supported by The Clem Jones Foundation
Sylvia Jones (1909-1999) performed many different roles and made a significant contribution to the City of Brisbane as Lady Mayoress during her husband Clem’s record term as Lord Mayor from 1961 to 1975.
Noted for modernising the city — especially its road, transport, water, sewerage, and community and sporting infrastructure — the administration led by Clem Jones also helped to develop and expand Brisbane’s cultural life with Sylvia as Lady Mayoress playing an active and leading role.
Clem and Sylvia Jones both took a personal interest in Brisbane’s cultural life and development.
As Lady Mayoress, Sylvia established the Brisbane City Council’s historical and arts collection, and encouraged and lent her support to Brisbane artists and their exhibitions.
She also chaired numerous charity fundraising events including the Lord Mayor’s Charity Ball and the Lord Mayor’s Command Performance.
Sylvia Jones had a deserved reputation as a gracious and approachable woman who, as Lady Mayoress, entertained with diplomacy and style, and was a notable ambassador for the City of Brisbane wherever she went.
“Sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell have travelled the path of competitive swimming together, sharing the spirit of determination, courage and focus along an immeasurably challenging road.”
Behind the scenes
