In a remarkable celebration of artistic resilience and creativity, Filipina-Australian artist Loribelle Spirovski has claimed the People’s Choice Award at the prestigious Archibald Prize in Australia. This award carries significant recognition as it is considered the most honorable distinction awarded in portrait art in the country. Ms. Spirovski’s winning masterpiece is a portrait of the acclaimed Aboriginal musician William Barton. What sets this artwork apart is that it was created under challenging circumstances; due to a nerve injury, painting with traditional brushes became particularly difficult for her, necessitating a shift to finger painting.
Spirovski’s journey to this moment has not been an easy one. She has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize on several occasions, but this recent accolade brought her immense joy. “I am overjoyed that the public selected my work for the People’s Choice,” she expressed, highlighting her emotional journey at a time when artistic expression became her solace. In a statement released by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, she elaborated on her emotional state, noting that the experience felt like a beautiful reprieve after a challenging few years.
Her gratitude extended not only to the public but also to William Barton himself for the opportunity to paint him. In a poignant reflection, she mentioned her humility at the public’s response to her artwork, stating, “I am infinitely grateful to William for allowing me to paint him.” Throughout the creative process, which began under the confines of her nerve injury, Spirovski played Barton’s music to inspire her. The soothing melodies encouraged her to toss aside the brush and immerse her fingers into the pliant paint, stating, “Without a brush, painting was almost painless.” This innovative approach made her feel a sense of vitality she hadn’t felt in a long while, illustrating how art can transcend physical limitations.
Loribelle Spirovski was born in the Philippines in 1990 to a Filipino mother and a Serbian father, and her life took a transformative turn when she and her family relocated to Australia in 1999. She pursued her passion for art, graduating from the College of Fine Arts in Sydney in 2012. Describing her work, she mentions the strong influence of the contrasting cultural elements from both her homeland and her parents’ mixed ethnic backgrounds—European and Asian—thus deepening the richness and diversity of her artistic expression.
The Archibald People’s Choice Award is based on votes from the viewing public who experience the collection of finalist artworks at the gallery. This year, a significant financial reward of A$100,000 (approximately $64,600 or £48,700) was awarded to Julie Fragar, marking her as the 13th woman overall to win the Archibald Prize in its long 104-year history. Additionally, the Archibald Packing Room Prize, which is determined by votes from the gallery staff responsible for receiving and installing the portraits, was awarded to Abdul Abdullah for his portrayal of fellow artist Jason Phu.
In summation, Loribelle Spirovski’s achievement is a testament to the transformative power of art, not just as a means of expression, but as a source of healing. Her unique use of finger painting stands as an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity and resonates deeply with audiences and art lovers alike in Australia and beyond. As the Artistic community continues to celebrate her work, the story of Ms. Spirovski serves as a reminder of the persistent spirit that art embodies—one that triumphs above struggles and invites viewers to engage with profound stories interwoven through personal and cultural identities.
