Kirsty Neilson Making noise

‘When Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year for 2021, I was moved by her passion, strength and bravery,’ says Kirsty Neilson.

‘Grace is a survivor of child sexual abuse and lent her story to Nina Funnell’s acclaimed #LetHerSpeak campaign. She was instrumental in changing an archaic “gag law” in Tasmania that prevented victims from speaking out.

‘Initially I thought I needed to make the portrait more dramatic, but the longer I sat with Grace, the more the portrait became a reflection of our time together and I saw her inner strength.

‘Grace is wearing a white T-shirt, which has become an unofficial symbol of women’s resistance. Grace has been a catalyst in exposing how people have been treated, and is helping create change.

‘I have a strong sense of social justice myself, and have worked with the organisation Esther’s Voice, which brings healing to girls rescued from sex trafficking in Cambodia. I believe abuse of any kind is unacceptable and we need to fight more for people’s worth. Let’s continue the conversation.’

Neilson is a Sydney-based artist who studied at the National Art School. This is her third time as a finalist in the Archibald Prize.