|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Thomson Reuters Photo Artist: Vincent Fantauzzo |
"I wanted it to be dealing with self,
your own consciousness and your thoughts," said Fantauzzo.
The painting features a bare-chested Ledger against a black background, looking
straight out of the canvas with two other images of the actor at the sides
whispering into his ears.
Fantauzzo's painting was a finalist in the 2008 Archibald Prize, Australia's top
prize for portraiture, but he missed out on the top award, which went to a
self-portrait of an artist with her two children.
But the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Thursday announced that the Ledger
portrait had won the people's choice award, which is decided by votes from
people who view the Gallery's Archibald exhibition.
More than 32,000 people voted, and the painting drew record crowds to the
exhibition.
Fantauzzo has refused offers to buy the painting, and said he had spoken to
Ledger's family, who decided the painting would be donated to the New South
Wales Gallery in Sydney.
Ledger starred in 18 movies in Australia and Hollywood. He will appear as the
Joker in the latest "Batman" movie, "Dark Knight," set for release in July.
Send mail to
email@gaypasg.org with questions or comments about this web site.
|
