No. 49Finalist · Noosa Art Prize 2026
Verdant Reverie
Lisa Rees
Bonnet Bay, NSW
Artist statement
Verdant Reverie began with the idea of a woman whose identity is never fully revealed. By turning the figure away from the viewer, I wanted her story to remain open, she could represent strength, transformation, possibility, or simply a private moment of becoming.
As I worked, the gown became increasingly important. I built its sweeping form through layers of acrylic and sculptural texture, allowing areas of colour and gold leaf to break apart and move beyond the figure. I was interested in the contrast between her stillness and the sense of movement surrounding her.
I want the viewer to notice that tension: the composed figure against something far more expressive and expansive. The gold catches and changes with the light, so the artwork never appears completely static. Ultimately, I hope the viewer brings something of their own experience to the woman and imagines the story that exists beyond what is shown.