Loribelle Spirovski has been awarded the 2025 Portia Geach Memorial Award People's Choice for her portrait Fingerpainting of Elena at Work, a striking depiction of celebrated Australian composer, Elena Kats-Chernin.
Presented at Sydney's S.H. Ervin Gallery, the People's Choice Award recognises the portrait that resonates most strongly with exhibition visitors. The recognition adds to an exceptional year for Spirovski, following her recent People's Choice success in the 2025 Archibald Prize.
Fingerpainting of Elena at Work reflects a deeply personal collaboration between artist and composer. Rather than using traditional brushes, Spirovski created the portrait primarily with her fingers—a technique she adopted after a chronic nerve injury made conventional painting methods difficult. What began as an adaptation has evolved into a defining aspect of her artistic practice, allowing for a more immediate and tactile connection with the canvas.
The portrait presents Elena Kats-Chernin in her creative environment, surrounded by manuscripts, working notes, and the visual traces of an active musical life. The work captures both her likeness and the atmosphere of her studio, conveying a quiet sense of contemplation and anticipation that accompanies the creation of new music.
Speaking about the painting, Spirovski described it as the culmination of a long-awaited collaboration, explaining that she wanted to portray both the composer and the creative space that shapes her work. Through its rich colour and surface, and intimate pose of Kats-Chernin, the portrait offers a glimpse into the world of one of Australia's most respected composers.
The 2025 Portia Geach Memorial Award exhibition features 60 finalist portraits and remains on view at the S.H. Ervin Gallery until 2 November.
The award highlights the growing appreciation for Loribelle's distinctive portrait practice. We are delighted to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
