Warmun artists make their mark in prestigious portrait prize
Two artists from a small Western Australian community have been selected as finalists in the prestigious Lester Prize. Their artworks reflect their deep connection to their country, culture, and community.
A small community in Western Australia's remote north east is celebrating a major achievement, with two of its residents selected as finalists in a prestigious portrait prize. Dwayne Jessell and Troy Drill, both from Warmun, have had their self-portraits shortlisted for the Lester Prize, a recognition of their unique artistic style and deep connection to their country, culture, and community.
Dwayne Jessell, a two-time finalist, and emerging artist Troy Drill, making his debut, are from a community with just one shop, a dusty airstrip, and a few boab trees. Their artworks reflect their heritage, with Jessell's linoprint self-portrait, titled 'Marks of Life,' and Drill's ochre-painted canvas, 'Image of me out there.'
A legacy of art and culture
Jessell's father, Jack Britten, a co-founder of the Warmun Art Centre, taught him to paint.