17 February – 16 April, 2023
First Floor Galleries
The Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s most prestigious and popular portraiture prize.
The biennial competition for painted portraits is held at The New Zealand Portrait Gallery and generously sponsored by the Adam Foundation. The Adam Portraiture Award provides New Zealand painters from all stages of their careers with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage, while also playing an important role in recording the changing face of Aotearoa.
The inaugural competition was held in 2000 and called the National Portrait Competition. It has been known as the Adam Portraiture Award since 2002. Since 2006 the winning artworks have been acquired into the New Zealand Portrait Gallery collection. In 2020 the Award expanded its judging panel to two judges.
First Prize: $20,000
Runner up: $2,500
People’s Choice: $2,500
The 2022 exhibition has concluded at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery and a selection of works are now touring the country.
THE ADAM PORTRAITURE AWARD IS GENEROUSLY FUNDED BY THE ADAM FOUNDATION
WINNER
Jessica Gurnsey
Lady Day 2021
Acrylic on canvas
(self-portrait)
Jessica Gurnsey is an 18 year old artist from Wellington, now based in Auckland. She is currently studying at Elam School of Fine Arts. Jessica is the youngest winner in the history of the Adam Award.
RUNNER-UP
Gwyn Hughes
INK - 'The CREATIVE SOUL' 2022
Oil on board
(Rosie Edwards)
Gwyn Hughes has been painting professionally since the early 80’s. He moved to Christchurch from Wales and specializes in South Island landscapes. Gwyn was the People’s Choice Award winner in the 2020 Adam Award.
