Prestigious art awards commendation for Gisborne artist

Tyler Wray’s portrait of her sister Keziah has been awarded a Highly Commended in the Adam Portraiture Awards in Wellington. The oil painting was painted from a photograph taken in her backyard at sunset.

Gisborne artist Tyler Wray was surprised and honoured to receive a Highly Commended Award at the Adam Portraiture Award held in Wellington last week.

“I was shocked when I received my award. Just being a part of the competition was rewarding enough, but to be recognised among all the amazing works was beyond anything I could imagine,” Wray said.

The 19-year-old’s portrait of her sister made it into the finals at the prestigious competition, one of 37 portraits chosen out of a record number of 451 entries.

“Hearing the judges talk about how my painting glowed on the wall and drew the viewer into it from across the room made me so happy,” she said.

The recognition has given Wray the motivation to keep pursuing her art, and while she hasn’t started working on anything new yet, she is doing a lot of small sketches and hopes to create a dedicated space to paint in at home.

“I loved being part of the competition and think I’ll definitely try to enter the next one,” she said.

Taranaki artist Maryanne Shearman took out the top prize of $20,000 for her portrait of prominent Māori climate activist Tuhi-Ao Bailey.

Wray said she felt very inspired after seeing the exhibition of the finalists’ portraits at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata.

“I was blown away with the attention to detail, and the artists’ ability to capture a strong essence of their subject and tell a story.

“Getting to finally read their statements while looking at their works was so satisfying. I loved the winning portrait so much and am so happy for all the artists that received an award. The recognition and love for their work was so strongly deserved, in my opinion.”

She plans to create a lot more artwork in the future, whether it be commissions, or just ideas she wants to get out there.

“I’m not too sure yet, but I’ll keep posting up my art on social media and I am so excited to see what happens.”

The biennial award, sponsored by The Adam Foundation and presented by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, is one of the country’s longest-running art prizes, with a cash prize of $20,000, national recognition and regular national tours.

The competition is known for launching careers.

Anyone can apply to enter this anonymously selected biennial contest, as long as the artist is a New Zealand resident or citizen. All portraits must be predominantly painted, and subjects have to be a New Zealand resident or citizen.

• Other Gisborne artists who have made it to the finals of the Adam Portraiture Award include Michael Crowley (2023), Carol Montgomery (2008) and Jess Jacobs (2004).