Archibald Prize 2016. Finalists. Polymath by Camillo De Luca

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Artist: Camillo De Luca

Title: Polymath

Medium: mixed media

Dimensions: 242.5 x 242.5 cm

The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP is the member for Kooyong and the Federal Minster for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia.

‘I met Josh at my former Melbourne gallery in 2008 through his interest in contemporary painting,’ says Camillo De Luca. ‘Together we curated an exhibition of his photographs titled Images from the road, which was received with great acclaim. In his opening speech, Steven Skala AO, former director of the ABC, used the term “polymath” to describe Josh’s achievements over many fields, which span sport, academia, politics, community involvement and family.

‘The portrait depicts Josh’s warm, affable character. The sitting took place at his home and he had been playing with his baby daughter, just before I arrived. The loose tie refers to him being a husband and father. The sketched suit and untucked shirt speak of youthful energy. The copper frame, wood background and charcoal medium refer to his ministerial position in resources. The halo symbolises his outstanding achievements, while the raw “unfinished” nature of the painting suggests that his full potential is still evolving.’

Based in Melbourne, De Luca’s art practice covers a broad spectrum of media including painting, drawing, design and photography. He studied at RMIT and the University of Melbourne. A gallery owner for 10 years, he has worked closely with young artists. This is his first time in the Archibald Prize.

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