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No. 49Finalist · Noosa Art Prize 2026

Verdant Reverie

Lisa Rees

Bonnet Bay, NSW

Acrylic, sculptural mixed media and gold leaf on canvas122 × 91 × 3.5 cm$7,150

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.