“You know when you write those little lists of things you want to happen in your life?” said Melbourne visual artist Jaq Grantford. “Well [winning the 2022 Darling Portrait Prize] is on one of my lists. And it happened. Maybe I’ve already shown up. “
Painted in just six weeks in his home studio in Melbourne during lockdowns in 2020, Grantford said his winning self-portrait, 2020, was greatly inspired by the events taking place at that time. “It was a very difficult time [with] Covid, “he said.” There was all this crazy, scary things going on, things you never thought would happen in our lives. I had a hard time. But me [also] he seemed to like it. Because I could just get into my studio and stop all the noise in the world. I really want to have a little bit of silence, it’s a pleasure to guilt. “
Grantford’s winning self-portrait features the artist looking directly at the viewer. Both hands cover her mouth and a bush of paintbrushes is woven into the bun in her hair.
“I have this image of hands as a mask,” Grantford said. “And paintbrushes represent the artist. I used to put a paintbrush behind my ear or put it in my hair, so it was kind of an extension to what I naturally did anyway. But I taught it. and made it more than one thing. I elaborated on it. ”
As well as obvious technical achievements, the painting was praised by the judges for its unusual composition. “I am very grateful to the National Portrait Gallery and also to Gordon Darling [the late founder of the National Portrait Gallery]”he says.” Portrait is a bit different compared to other genres because it’s harder to have single exhibitions and make that sustainable for your practice. So when you’ve got it to showcase your work to the world, it’s important.
As well as fame, Grantford won $ 75,000 and the chance to showcase his work at the National Portrait Gallery. “It’s just amazing – both professionally and personally. I’ve been like this for a long time, there really is. I was always drawing through school, my friends would always saying, ‘Can you draw this for me?’ So it’s something I’ve always dreamed of. Because I like it. It’s a good thing to see after all the hard work and self -discipline. Being included in the National Portrait Gallery is wonderful. It’s like a dream. And it’s encouraging to go, ‘Okay, what’s next? What else can I do? ‘”
Grantford’s winning self-portrait is on display with 38 finalists at the National Portrait Gallery through Sunday 9 October. More details and book tickets.
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