Dimensions
About the artwork
Home anchors you – no matter where life takes you. It keeps you grounded and reminds you that you have a place you will always belong. Wesley’s home is Stradbroke. A sea breeze and sky that stretches right down to the ocean hold you up high. Home is always waiting. Home calls.
About the sitter
Wesley Enoch AM is a writer and director for the stage. He was the Artistic Director of Queensland Theatre Company from 2010 to 2015 and is the current Artistic Director at the Sydney Festival. He hails from Stradbroke Island (Minjeribah) and is a proud Noonuccal Nuugi man.
About the artist
Originally from Brisbane, Liam Nunan is a Sydney based actor and artist. In 2010 Liam moved to Sydney to study at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. He has performed with Sydney Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre Company, Malthouse, Belvoir, Laboit and many more. Although relatively new to painting, last year Liam won the 2019 Lester Prize.
“Painting Wesley's portrait I was inspired by his optimism for the future. I hope to convey a moment of reflection of where we have come from, and a sense of hope and reassurance that we will return.”
Behind the scenes
Working on my submission for the Brisbane Prize, I found my self thinking a lot about my own relationship with Brisbane and how I miss it. At a time when many of us are separated from family and the places we come from, it seemed fitting to paint Wesley with his home in mind.
During our sitting, he talked about Stradbroke and how owning a little piece of that island keeps him connected to his past and grounded in a sense of belonging.
Painting Wesley’s portrait I was inspired by his optimism for the future. I hope to convey a moment of reflection of where we have come from, and a sense of hope and reassurance that we will return.
