Spirovski’s minimal oil on canvas, ‘John Bell at home’, details distinguished actor and director John Bell, founder of theatre company Bell Shakespeare.
“It’s a monumental honour to have been named a finalist in the Archibald Prize for 2017,” Ms Spirovski said.
“I met John through my partner Simon Tedeschi, with whom he was working on a piece for piano and narrator, based on Tennyson's poem 'Enoch Arden'. While touring the show with them around the country, I had the rare opportunity of sketching John from life during rehearsals, capturing the raw emotion evoked by his voice and the music in tandem.”
“We also had an official portrait sitting in his home, and upon sitting in his beautiful chair, he immediately radiated this regal, yet calm air. With such a characteristic, expressive face, I kept the portrait very simple, focussing on the colours and texture of the paint.”
Philippine-born Spirovski studied at the College of Fine Arts in Sydney and is known for her intricate portraiture work. She was named Fairfield City Museum & Gallery’s AiR for 2016 and will soon unveil a portrait collection that features the faces of Fairfield City’s diverse community.
Spirvoski’s solo exhibition, Diaspora, will open September 23 at Fairfield City Museum & Gallery.
