#statedaddy

This painting was a Finalist in the Western Australian Lester Portrait Prize in 2021. Premier Mark McGowan’s approval rating soared over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was intrigued by his popularity with Gen-Z and his wide online appeal on TikTok and other social media platforms. It was oddly fascinating to see a politician achieving such celebrity status and I wanted to incorporate this aspect in my painting. When I met with the Premier he seemed bemused by his #statedaddy status but generously participated in the sitting with good humour.

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Perth based artist Jenny Davies has been painting for around fifteen years. She has exhibited in numerous exhibitions in Perth and has developed a reputation for her unique and sometimes quirky oil paintings. Jenny has studied under well known artists such as Robyn Collier, Andrew Tischler, Charlie Tong and Leanne Pearson. Jenny has won many awards in Perth. She was a finalist in the 2021 WA Lester Portrait Prize with her portrait of Premier Mark McGowan. Jenny was a semifinalist in the NPG Darling Portrait Prize 2019 and 2022 as well as the Moran Portrait Prize 2022.