We are so excited to share that the artwork Fiona on Skin by artist Deb Hamm is on its way for consideration in the 2023 Archibald Prize exhibition, an annual art competition organised by the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. The stunning portrait has been engraved, or 'etched' onto a large piece of leather stretched over a wooden frame, with acrylics used to paint Fiona's features.
Deb first met Fiona Wood while working in the Child and Adolescent Health Service at Perth Children's Hospital. After their initial meeting, she felt so inspired by Fiona's infectious energy that she wanted to capture it through her artwork.
When introducing her artwork to local media, Deb shared:
"Dr Wood flies the flag high for every single female in the world, showing us again and again that women can accomplish incredible things," Miss Hamm said.
"It's not only her contributions to science that are worthy of showcasing, but her story as a woman, a mother, and as a wife.
"Her legacy will live in Australia forever from her heroic performance during the devastating Bali bombings tragedy to her research on skin scarring and 'spray on skin.' She’s a force to be reckoned with, and she deserves a spot in the Australian National Portrait Gallery for generations to see.”
We are so proud and honoured that Deb chose to paint Fiona for her submission, and we want to send her our heartfelt thanks to her for sharing this experience with us. We have everything crossed that the portrait will be chosen as the finalist, and we have the opportunity to see it hung on the walls of the Art Gallery of NSW.
Check out Deb’s interview with PerthNow here.
Back to news list