Shortlist finalised for The Percivals 2020

Mayor Jenny Hill is just one of the many muses portrayed by more than 230 artists who are shortlisted for The Percivals 2020.

The Percivals include the Percival Portrait Painting Prize, the Percival Photographic Portrait Prize and the Animal Portrait Prize, and have more than $50,000 in prize money between them.

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson, Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, said the judges undoubtedly had a tough time narrowing down the competition.

“As with every Percivals, we have had a strong local contingent enter this year, as well as our entries from across the country and overseas,” Cr Greaney said.

“It’s been really heartening seeing several artworks featuring portraits of local artists. It just goes to show that our arts community really does support and celebrate each other’s talent.”

Cr Greaney said the biggest theme in this year’s entries was portraits celebrating the strength of women.

“There are so many inspiring and talented women in this year’s Percivals. We have a selection of doctors, scientists, firefighters, artists, celebrities, sportswomen, teachers, professors and mothers represented in the competition,” she said.

“These portraits have been painted by the subject’s friends, siblings, parents and partners. They illustrate the strength and pride they have for the women in their lives.”

While there are many Townsville locals represented in The Percivals, there are also several familiar faces in the mix.

“Mayor Jenny Hill has been painted, as well as author and journalist Tara Moss, comedian Fiona O’Loughlin, musicians The Veronicas, novelist Neil Gaiman and journalist Kate McClymont,” Cr Greaney said.

Townsville City Council has recorded 365 entries across the Percival Portrait Painting Prize, the Percival Photographic Portrait Prize and the Percival Animal Portrait Prize, which will open later this month.

The last Percivals, held in 2018, had 325 entries.  

The major acquisitive prize for the Percival Portrait Painting Prize is $40,000. The prize in 2018 went to Victorian artist Jenny Rodgerson for her self portrait Balancing in the big red coat.

For more information about The Percivals 2020, visit the webpage here.

The Percivals 2020 entries

• Percival Portrait Painting Prize: 206 total entries, 127 shortlisted for competition (of the 127, 57 from QLD)
• Percival Photographic Portrait Prize: 115 total entries, 74 shortlisted for competition (of the 74, 39 from QLD)
• Animal Portrait Prize: 44 total entries, 38 shortlisted for competition (of the 38, 33 from QLD)