Brisbane Portrait Prize 2023
The sitter of this piece is of Mariam Ella Arcila, a Fillipino writer, editor and arts worker, who studied at Griffith University.
The piece is inspired by Mariam’s rich heritage, featuring her wearing a Gucci T-shirt playfully over her head.
‘Her mischievous smirk captures the essence of the delightful complexities that emerge from the confluence of traditions in our multicultural society.’
Fiona met Miriam when she was just 15, in high school art class. ‘Recently I have returned from teaching Visual Arts in Hong Kong, my encounters with various cultures deepened my understanding of Mariam’s unique background.’