Ann Cape Walking a tightrope

The subject of Ann Cape’s painting is artist Euan Macleod, who won the 1999 Archibald Prize with a self-portrait and the 2001 Sulman Prize.

‘I have known Euan for many years now and have worked with him on numerous art trips to the outback,’ says four-time Archibald finalist Ann Cape.

‘I have always admired the gesture and energy in his work, and the way he integrates and combines figures into the landscape.’ Cape believes these figures are autobiographical and associated with Macleod’s relationship with his father. ‘Euan and I share the experience of losing a loved one to dementia,’ she says.

The title of her portrait is inspired by Macleod’s use of a highwire as a metaphor in his art. ‘I feel this may relate to his experience with anxiety and his practice as a professional artist – putting himself on the line.’ She is reminded of two quotes: one by Canadian–American painter Philip Guston, ‘Doubt is the acute awareness of the existence of alternatives’, and another by Australian art critic Robert Hughes, ‘The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.’

‘Euan is a very gifted, significant Australian artist,’ says Cape. ‘A perfect candidate for the Archibald.’