RBSA Portrait Prize

The art of portraiture dates back at least 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and, up until the invention of photography, was the only way to capture a person’s likeness. Throughout history, portraits have been used as a tool for demonstrating the sitter’s status and importance, as well as to assert dominance over subjects and enemies. However, portraiture and, in particular, self-portraiture, is not always representational but instead may employ abstraction or symbolism to reveal more than just the physical appearance of the subject.
The RBSA Portrait Prize exhibition gives artists working in any medium the opportunity to exhibit their work and win prizes. This year, the RBSA was delighted to extend the scope of the exhibition to include photography and digital artwork.

This year’s exhibition was selected by:

John Devane, RBSA Honorary Professor of Painting; Professor of Painting, Centre of Arts, Memories and Communications, Coventry University
Marta Kochanek, multi-award winning photography artist
Professor Jennifer Powell, Director of The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

The following prizes will be awarded:

First prize £1000 sponsored by GMC
Second prize £500 sponsored by Galliard Apsley Partnership
Third prize £250 sponsored by Judd Medical
Student prize £250 sponsored by RBSA Member
Up to six highly commended certificates will also be awarded

Private View: Tuesday 7 May 6.00 – 8.00pm
Artists’ Talk: Saturday 18 May 2.00 – 3.00pm
Featured image: Stephen Carse, Hoarding Issues

The RBSA Gallery is open. Visit us Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm.