Hopes pinned on prestigious art prize for women artists

Nationally famed Central Coast artist Mel Bling has submitted a larger-than-life oil painting portrait featuring Kerry-Anne Blanket, founder of KAB Gallery in Terrigal, to the Portia Geach Memorial Award.

It is Australia’s most prestigious art prize for portraiture by women artists.

Earlier this year, Bling approached Blanket with the idea to paint her as the subject for this year’s Archibald Prize entry.

What followed was a powerful collaboration between artist and subject — both women highly regarded in their fields and both proudly Central Coast based.

The result is a striking oil on canvas portrait titled “KAB”, a contemporary tribute to Blanket’s contribution to the arts and her role in shaping the cultural landscape of the region through her work with KAB Gallery.

If you look closely in the background of the painting you can see how the artist has detailed using gold, various titles of paintings Blanket has sold for artists recently.

“We’ve been on such a special journey together during this painting process,” Blanket said.

“It’s been exciting, confronting at times, and absolutely unforgettable.”

Bling is a nationally acclaimed artist known for pushing the boundaries of medium and subject.

Her work is held in collections across Australia and widely admired for its contemporary strength and uniqueness.

Blanket, a contemporary art expert, founded KAB Gallery on the Terrigal beachfront at Crowne Plaza in 2013.

Operating the gallery seven days a week, she works with Australia’s most collectable artists including Bling.

Through KAB Gallery she offers a full suite of art services from exhibitions and art sales to valuations, restorations and customised commissioned artworks.

While the portrait missed out on this year’s Archibald Prize, the Portia Geach Memorial Award, valued at $30,000, is recognised as one of the most important celebrations of the talents and creativity of Australian female portrait painters and has played a major role in developing the profile of the nation’s women artists.