From intimate and personal images of friends and family, to revealing portraits of celebrity sitters, the exhibition presents a variety of styles and approaches that together illustrate the vitality of contemporary portrait painting. The three artists shortlisted for the BP Portrait Award 2010 are: David Eichenberg for Tim II; Michael Gaskell for Harry and Daphne Todd for Last Portrait of Mother.
The BP Portrait Award is the most prestigious portrait competition in the world, promoting the very best in contemporary portrait painting. With a first prize of £25,000, the exhibition has proved the launch pad for the careers of a number of successful portrait artists.
From a record 2,177 entrants, submitted by artists from around the world, this year's exhibition presents fifty-eight selected works including the three shortlisted artists - David Eichenberg for Tim II, Michael Gaskell for Harry and Daphne Todd for Last Portrait of Mother - as well as the BP Travel Award 2009 winner, Isobel Peachey, who travelled to Belgium and Switzerland to document those people who take part in historical re-enactments.
From intimate and personal images of friends and family, to revealing portraits of celebrity sitters, the exhibition presents a variety of styles and approaches that together illustrate the vitality of contemporary portrait painting.
This year also sees the launch of the BP Portrait Award ‘Next Generation' project. Inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the project will extend engagement with young people around the Award. Annual Summer Schools and an interactive website will offer new opportunities for learning, inspiration and creativity through portraiture.
The winners and selected entries will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, London, from 24 June to 19 September 2010 and subsequently in 2010-11 will tour to the Usher Gallery, Lincoln (1 October - 14 November 2010) and Aberdeen Art Gallery (27 November 2010 - 22 January 2011). The exhibition tour is organised by the National Portrait Gallery.
The three artists shortlisted for the BP Portrait Award 2010 are: David Eichenberg for Tim II; Michael Gaskell for Harry and Daphne Todd for Last Portrait of Mother.
For all Press Office enquiries please contact: Neil Evans, Senior Press Officer, Tel 020 7312 2452 or email nevans@npg.org.uk
Image: Don't Be Too Serious
by Elizabeth McDonald, 2010
© Elizabeth McDonald
National Portrait Gallery
st Martin's Place - London
Opening Hours: Saturday - Wednesday 10.00 – 18.00 Thursdays and Fridays until 21.00
Last admission to the exhibition is one hour before the Gallery closes.