Actor Miranda Tapsel and comedian Luke McGregor will be fronting the front of the latest eight-part ABC competition series, where amateur and professional artists head straight to their heads to get the chance to work at Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery.
Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, Portrait Artist of the Year creates portraits of famous celebrities for each episode in a group of nine artists that are only four hours away.
The results will be reviewed by Australian National Portrait Gallery, Brie Pickering, Interdisciplinary Artist, Abdul Abdullah, Associate Professor of Art History at the Australian National University (ANU), Director Robert Wellington.
Kate Douglas Walker is a director of the series and works with series producer Maria Handas, executive producer David McDonald, post-executive producer Kate Ferry, ABC’s art, music and events Katharl of ABC’s commissioning editor, and Rachel Robinson.
Tapsel, who shares his passion for portraits with McGregor, said nothing could bring more empathy than someone who puts a heart on the canvas.
“Art is what makes people reflect who they are and what they become,” she said.
“What I like most about this series is that it shows that art doesn’t divide. It’s united. The artists are incredibly talented, and their portraits are far beyond what I can imagine.”
McGregor has identified one of his favorite parts of the program as seeing sitters’ reactions to artist portraits, including joy, tears, shock and “seeing themselves in a way never before.”
“It’s daunting to see people sitting for hours while they portray you. Even guests who were used to being on camera felt more vulnerable than usual – but obviously it was always magical, just like the bond formed between the artist and their subject. I loved being part of this show,” he said.
Earl said this year’s portrait artist is an “art show for everyone.”
“The audience is going to love Portrait Artist of the Year this year, bursting with creativity and revealing artists of all ages, styles and backgrounds across Australia,” she said.
