We are absolutely delighted to congratulate Sue Eva and Lori Pensini on being selected as finalists in the 2025 Lester Prize—Australia’s most prestigious portraiture award.

The Lester Prize is one of the nation’s most highly regarded portrait competitions. During this, its 18th year, it received over 1,000 submissions—a record for the prize. An independent, blind judging panel selects 40 finalists based purely on the strength and originality of their artworks—stripping away any bias and creating opportunities for both emerging and established artists alike. The finalists’ works will be exhibited at WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth, with the exhibition running from 19th September to 16th November 2025.

Sue Eva has earned her place among this year’s 40 finalists with work that captivated the panel with its depth, originality, and expressive technique. "I’m so honoured to be a finalist in this prestigious portraiture prize. To have my work selected among so many talented peers is both humbling and motivating. In my practice I often paint reflections that blur or exclude me, this self-portrait was an opportunity to represent myself as an integral part of the physical painting process. Thank you to Sandy Tippett who suggested it and encouraged me to enter."

Lori Pensini's inclusion as a finalist reaffirms her place as one of Australia’s most compelling voices in portraiture. The selected painting is quintessential Lori—rich in narrative, reverence, and emotion. Her ability to combine beauty and truth with such nuance is what continues to set her apart. "This is my response as a farmer to enduring the driest spells on record in the South West, WA. Two summers in and we are still bruised. The dry despair discolouring everything, like pindan dust encrusting even the most stoic. Kirsten here holds one of her orphaned lambs. There will be many she can save and many more she cannot as the emotional toll of uncertainty weighs heavily on her well being. Like many in our rural community facing hardship, her dogged resilience will pitch her forward, ambling towards the break of the season and softer times, when it comes. Eventually."

To be recognised by the Lester Prize is a true honour, and we’re elated to see both Sue and Lori’s remarkable talent celebrated in this way. We look forward to the finalist exhibition later this year and encourage everyone to experience these powerful works in person. Stay tuned for more updates as the exhibition approaches!