Liam, Leaning
Elizabeth Barden
- Sitter: Liam Nunan
- Medium: Oil on Linen
- Dimensions: 51cm x 77cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork and sitter
Liam Nunan grew up in Brisbane and began his acting studies here, before moving to study at NIDA in Sydney. He has acted with state theatre companies for the last 10 years, and painted his first portrait in 2018. He has been a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize.
The title of this artwork, ‘Liam Leaning,’ has significance for Elizabeth. She says, ‘his creative industries allow him to lean into and explore storytelling and character development with sensitivity.’
Here he’s portrayed in a paint stained sweatshirt, gazing pensively back at the viewer.
About the artist
Elizabeth Barden is a contemporary, award winning figurative artist. She has had two solo exhibitions, and has been a finalist in many national art prizes. She has a work in the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.
Her work has been presented in a large number of major group shows both within Australia and internationally. She has been a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize several times.
“I seek to represent in visual simplicity an emotional complexity"
Behind the scenes
As a contemporary figurative artist, it has always been my fascination to paint people. I seek to represent in visual simplicity an emotional complexity – a hint of the inner in a sincere and sensitive portrayal. For me, it is incredibly moving when art has the quality of recognition – people see something that relates to who they are, finding common themes.
