A mesmerising self portrait by a Charles Darwin University Indigenous student has been shortlisted for a national award.
First-year Bachelor of Science student, Jessie Bonson was one of 16 young people nationwide shortlisted for the 2010 National Youth Self Portrait Prize.
Jessie, 18, will have her self portrait entitled “sister girl” displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra until 12 September 2010.
Jesse said her use of white paint was an exploration, a way of asking questions about her Aboriginality.
“It connects cultural influence, and it’s one that I have had the opportunity to experience myself,” she said.
“The paint is about colour, camouflage, culture, texture and aesthetic play.
“Streaks over the skin create a powerful mood, an element of randomness telling a personal story, portraying a version of me.”
The National Youth Self Portrait Prize seeks to encourage young people aged 18 to 25 to embrace self portraiture and its expressive possibilities.