2025 FINALIST
Visitor
Stella Metcalfe
- Sitter: Rita Pryce
- Medium: Graphite, charcoal and acrylic on paper
- Dimensions: 28 x 35cm
- Artist Age: 16
- Artist School: Queensland Academies Creative Industries (QACI)
About the work
This portrait is a tribute to Aunty Rita Pryce, a Kulkalgal and Kawrareg woman who grew up in Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait before leaving for Sydney for dance and performing arts training.
I created this portrait of Aunty Rita slowly, with care and intention, focusing on the depth in her hair, eyes and hands to portray Aunty Rita’s strength and power. She cradles her face in her hands as a self-made portrait. This calls our attention to her presence, identity and defiance. It highlights the way Aunty Rita shows up fully in the world, holding herself and her people together through art, Culture and dance, even if she is feeling fragmented.
I created this portrait of Aunty Rita slowly, with care and intention, focusing on the depth in her hair, eyes and hands to portray Aunty Rita’s strength and power. She cradles her face in her hands as a self-made portrait. This calls our attention to her presence, identity and defiance. It highlights the way Aunty Rita shows up fully in the world, holding herself and her people together through art, Culture and dance, even if she is feeling fragmented.
I feel privileged to know Aunty Rita and learn from her, and that I had the chance to portray her and her influence in Meanjin/Magandjin. It is essential for my generation, as citizens of this City, that we draw upon the experiences and stories of First Nation Peoples. They serve as inspiration for us all.
