The prestigious, new Sir William Orpen Prize will offer a first prize of €5,000 to the artist whose self-portrait best expresses a moment of considered, meaningful reflection in their artistic career to date.
The launch of this competition coincided with the opening of ‘Sir William Orpen A Family Legacy’ – a six-month exhibition (March – Aug 2024) of paintings, artworks and memorabilia of the Orpen family at Farmleigh Gallery, in Dublin, including many rarely seen items from the Orpen Research Archives.
RECOGNISING IRISH TALENT
As a painter of portraits, Sir William Orpen created many striking expressions of identity for the well-to-do of Edwardian times. During the First World War, he also became a prolific war artist – capturing the plight of ordinary soldiers, and the tragedy and triumph of human endeavor. But one painting traverses both genres: ‘Ready To Start.’
‘Ready to Start’ was painted just after Orpen arrived in France. It shows him as an artist in military uniform, studiously reflecting on his own image, contemplating what lies ahead. The-oil on-panel painting has all the vivid colours, textures and embellishments that define Orpen’s inimitable style.
TAKING PART
The Orpen Prize is open to all types of art that might be considered a painting or piece of flat media that reflects the materials used by Sir William Orpen (not a photograph). A sculpture is also acceptable.
A PRESTIGIOUS €5,000 FIRST PRIZE
The Sir William Orpen Prize invites entries from individuals who are now, or have been in the past, ‘ready to start’ their own careers as artists. It warms to the theme of self-reflection – representations of the artists themselves in changing times, looking to the future. The competition is open to individuals across the island of Ireland, and Irish artists living abroad.
TYPE OF WORK TO BE SUBMITTED
There are no limitations to the expression of artistic talent, subject to the artwork being a painting, drawing, fine art print (up to 24X20 inches) or piece of flat media that reflects the materials used by Sir William Orpen or a sculpture (size suitable for tabletop display). The initial submission should be a high-resolution photograph, the top 20 will then be required to submit the original art work for display on the awards night (early 2025).
Our judges – Liz O’Kane and Mick O’Dea PPRHA – will award a cash prize of €5,000 to the winner. The second prize will be €1,000, with a €500 voucher for art materials as third prize (Judges’ decision is final).
