Sitter
Bryan Nason
Photographic Print
Dimensions
70 x 90 cm
The artist represents themselves
Digital Award
Performing Arts and Music Award
About the artwork and sitter
Mr Bryan Nason, AM B.Sc, Dip.Ed, Hon D.Litt (UQ), is often described as a “veteran servant of Brisbane stage” and has been awarded many times for a lifetime commitment to “awakening Brisbane’s theatre-going community to new understandings”.
“This portrait does not try to replicate his achievements, but instead attempts to move the viewers focus away from any one of the hundreds of characters he mastered, towards a vision of the love that is obvious within his family and to all who know him. We are all the more enriched by the fact that Bryan treats everyone as his extended family. Brisbane has been indebted to Bryan’s vision for over sixty years and will be for many more generations to come.”
About the artist
Scott Patterson developed a love for photography while taking photos with his father in suburban Brisbane. They had a temporary darkroom in the laundry. He later attended the Queensland College of Art at Seven Hills in the 80s. “I was very happy when film was replaced; I take photos because I cannot draw. Influenced by everyone.”
“I started to take photos and listened to his words; full of love for the theatre and love for all the people around him.”
Behind the scenes
Bryan was not well on the day he sat for this portrait. I was greeted by his sister Victoria at his inner-north home. She explained the circumstances as she guided me towards the bed he was laying on. Despite his weakness, Bryan welcomed me whilst insisting I sit on his bed so we could chat. That Smile!
Tea was served on the chest of draws. I started to take photos and listened to his words; full of love for the theatre and love for all the people around him. Within minutes, he was exhausted, the session ended. Sadly, we could only spend twenty minutes together; I am proud to have made this photo whilst Bryan enjoyed our reclining conversation.
