The Artist Judy Watson
Russell Shakespeare
- Sitter: Judy Watson
- Medium: Digital Photograph
- Dimensions: 80 x 53 cm
- Representation: The artist represents themselves
- Category: Digital Award
2021 Digital Award
Proudly supported by
Accenture
About the artwork and sitter
Judy Watson is an Australian Waanyi multi-media artist who works in print-making, painting, video and installation.
Judy was born in Mundubbera, Queensland, and is Brisbane based working out of a studio at Yeronga. Her work is collected by many major Australian and International Galleries, including the Queensland Art Gallery, National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria. Much of her work examines Indigenous Australian histories, and the loss of Indigenous culture and heritage.
Shakespeare wanted to photograph Judy in an environment that was very polar opposite to the natural landscape. Rather, a man made landscape, referencing the loss of the land and culture to Indigenous Australia.
About the artist
Russell Shakespeare is a working photographer, whose connection to Brisbane goes back over 50 years. He grew up in the suburbs of Brisbane during his primary and high school years, including studying at the Queensland College of Art in it’s former location in Seven Hills.
Judge's Notes
Russell Shakespeare’s photograph of Australian Waanyi multi-media artist Judy Watson is quietly mysterious. The black and white portrait skilfully frames the sitter within an unrecognisable construct of concrete, bricks, and mortar.
Judy Watson plays herself, outside of the studio, within a backdrop that is haunting and alien. This is a setting far removed from the beauty of Australia’s natural environment. With eyes closed and a swathe of hair masking her face, we are left to imagine what the sitter is seeing.
This subtle and evocative portrait of one of Australia’s most highly regarded artists references indigeneity and notions of loss and dispossession
Karen Quinlan
Director, National Portrait Gallery Australia
2021 Judge
