THE ART OF GROWING OLDER
Turn your gaze towards the elders, mentors, and everyday legends whose stories deserve to be seen.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE SARA MAIORINO
EVERY PORTRAIT TELLS two stories. There’s the one captured in paint, charcoal, clay or mixed media. Then there’s the life behind the face showing decades of resilience, humour, creativity, adventure and quiet contribution.
The Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award (POAST) celebrates both. Now in its 27th year, the much-loved annual exhibition invites artists from across the Territory to turn their gaze towards the elders, mentors, neighbours, trailblazers, and everyday legends whose stories deserve to be celebrated.
More than an art prize, POAST is a celebration of connection across generations, recognising the extraordinary lives of senior Territorians while showcasing the remarkable talent of local artists.
Aaron Moore took home the winning title last year with his portrait of signwriter and artist Bill Davies reflecting on the Darwin years.
Runner-up Alice Cirrottola, who painted a portrait of Robert Joel Cooper on a fishing trip, said it was great to have that recognition as an artist.
“It was a good opportunity for me to get back into art and I’ve been painting since. I haven’t stopped, and I participated this year as well,” she says.
Each work offers a glimpse into the diverse lives that make up the Territory. The exhibition becomes a visual archive of Territory life, told through faces, expressions and relationships. Cirrottola says she was drawn to participate again this year to bring honour to a special senior in her life.
“I feel like having a picture gives more honour for the character because, through their eyes, you can really represent what they do and what’s their personality, and I try to share that as much as I can.”
Alternating between Alice Springs and Darwin each year during Seniors Month, this year's exhibition is held at Parliament House in Darwin, creating an inspiring meeting place where art and storytelling intersect.
“I’m really excited to see my painting this year, because last year it was in Alice Springs and unfortunately, I couldn’t be there,” she says.
“I’m also really excited to see all the other paintings and if the subject could be there, that would be even better because I can see his reaction which would be so special.”
The people featured in these works have witnessed the Territory evolve, built communities, preserved culture, raised families, overcome challenges and shared knowledge that continues to ripple through generations. Their portraits become celebrations not only of individual lives but of the communities they've helped shape.
“It’s a good opportunity for visibility and celebrating our seniors. I think it’s really important we celebrate our elders, especially in the NT,” Cirrottola says.
Alongside the major art awards, POAST also includes the heartwarming Selfie with a Senior Award, encouraging Territorians to share photographs and personal reflections about an older person who has inspired them.
Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award
WHEN FRI 14 AUG – SUN 13 SEP
AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE
COST FREE
INFO poast.com.au
