wa portrait artists
2026 Small Works Exhibition
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Does size matter? Can creating smaller, finely tuned works in different mediums and moods alter our perceptions and emotions? Does the proportional shift help our pursuit of representing the essence beyond the literal representation of our subjects?
These are some of the questions artists answer in this compact show of painted portraits, mixed media works and sculptures.
Small portraits are not new. Often the alliance of empires depended on a little portrait sent before marriage. Like Hans Holbein the Younger’s famous small portrait of Anne of Cleves in 1539 to serve as a marriage portrait for King Henry VIII.
Portrait miniatures, originating from illuminated manuscripts, were widely regarded as refined and intimate gifts. Frequently, miniature portraits of loved ones were enclosed in lockets and worn as personal keepsakes.
Small works seem to have a unique appeal, but what makes them so captivating in an era dominated by photography and images of tiny faces on handheld devices?
This exhibition moves away from formal portraiture’s focus on status, instead focusing on the tension between the artificial and the real. It is directing attention to capture quiet moments of introspection and genuine emotional expression. In this show the audience will notice how intimate portraits expand to create a greater impact within the gallery setting. It is evident that scale is a significant factor in shaping the viewer's experience. Size does matter.​
Judy Rogers Visual Artist and Curator
We will be hosting artist talks at the gallery on the 18th April from 1pm to 2.30pm. Come and have a listen to some of our portrait artists talking about their process and preparation for this exhibition.
To register for the artist talks click here.
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WA Portrait Artist 2026 Exhibition at Council House, Perth
WA portrait artists is an association of WA artists who include portraiture within their practise. Members all live in or have a connection to Western Australia and have been a finalist in a major national or international portraiture prize such as the Portia Geach, Doug Moran, Shirley Hannan and the Archibald, or have otherwise joined through juried membership.
Since its formation in 2012 the WA portrait artists has been a supportive network for the sharing of ideas, a purposeful collective seeking out collaborative opportunities and ways in which our members can promote the genre of portraiture through exhibitions and community engagement.
Commissioning a portrait
A painted portrait is a lasting way to capture memories of people worthy of admiration; colleagues, friends, family, or even yourself. It does not have to be expensive but there are many decisions to be made. Click here for more details.
