Sol

This was a preliminary study for my Archibald Prize painting of Solomon Kammer. The idea for this portrait originated in Sol’s studio in Adelaide, where I viewed the paintings that featured in ‘Give it Up’ a solo exhibition of Sol’s. I then returned to Sol’s studio a month later to begin working on the idea for this portrait. I have followed Solomon’s work for over 4 years and I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to paint someone I greatly admire. I am inspired by the way Solomon’s work speaks authentically about chronic illness, medical science and gender biases to expose the prejudices, struggles and traumas many have faced.

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Alanah Ellen Brand (she/her) (b. 1991, Australia) is a contemporary portrait painter working on Dja Dja Wurrung country (Bendigo, Victoria). Brand obtained her Masters in Visual Art (2019) from Latrobe University Bendigo. Brand has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize, Kennedy Prize, the 12th Prospect Portrait Prize, The Bluethumb Art Prize, The Tatiara Art Prize, The Percivals and a Semi-Finalist in The Doug Moran National Portrait Prize. Brand has attended Art schools/workshops with renowned painters David Kassan, Shana Levenson, Robin Eley, Jessica Le Clec and Solomon Kammer who became Brand’s mentor and the subject of her 2023 Archibald Prize entry.