Nanda\Hobbs is delighted to announce that Dianne Gall has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Lester Prize, one of Australia's most respected and prestigious portraiture awards. Her portrait, You Will Miss Me When I Burn, has been chosen as one of just 40 finalist works from 1,177 entries submitted by artists from across the country.
Now in its nineteenth year, The Lester Prize has established itself as a significant platform for Australian portraiture, celebrating both emerging and established artists while showcasing the breadth and diversity of contemporary practice. With more than $140,000 in prize money awarded annually and an exhibition featuring the nation's leading portrait artists, selection as a finalist represents a remarkable achievement.
Gall's painting, You Will Miss Me When I Burn, has been recognised for its originality and exceptional technical accomplishment.
"We are absolutely delighted to see Dianne's work recognised once again on the national stage," said Ralph Hobbs. "Being selected as one of only 40 finalists from such a highly competitive field is a testament to her extraordinary dedication, technical mastery and singular artistic vision."
Dianne Gall has built a reputation for creating exquisitely rendered paintings that combine technical virtuosity with compelling psychological presence. Her selection as a Lester Prize finalist marks another significant milestone in her career and further affirms her position as one of Australia's most accomplished contemporary figurative artists.
The finalists' exhibition for the 2026 Lester Prize will bring together some of the country's finest portraitists, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the diversity and excellence of contemporary Australian portraiture.
Nanda\Hobbs warmly congratulates Dianne on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to celebrating the exhibition alongside the other finalists.
