People

portrait of a painter

Thirroul artist India Mark was named a finalist in The Archibald Prize… for the second time!

 

  

Talented Thirroul artist India Mark is being applauded on a national STAGE!

India Mark is a name you need to remember! At just 24 years old, the Thirroul-based figurative painter has received much prestigious recognition since first picking up the brush. On May 3, she was named as a finalist in Australia’s most prominent portrait award, The Archibald Prize… for the second time in her short career! She was also named a finalist in 2016, a finalist for the 2017 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, she’s had two paintings included in the archival collection of the National Art School, and is part of a stable of artists connected to The Egg & Dart gallery in Thirroul. 

India’s entry into this year’s Archibald Prize, titled Candy, is a portrait of her friend, Sarah – a film student and sex worker, who uses social media to advocate for sex worker rights and articulate issues that impact the safety of those within the industry. 

“I approached Sarah because I admire her ability to break down complicated social constructs that promote prejudice, in a way that is relatable,” India says. “Gaining entry as a finalist this year is an important moment for both Sarah and myself – my painting is the first ever portrait of a sex worker to be accepted into the Archibald Prize.” 

Taking inspiration from traditional tonal painting methodologies, India’s portrait work is intimate and engaging. “I’ve always been drawn to artists that make work about things that exist beyond the world of art,” she says. “Sarah’s painting challenged me to do just that, and I’m very happy with the result.”

The beautifully moving result has culminated in India’s work being proudly displayed on the spectacular walls of the Art Gallery of NSW! It is a moment of validation for the young artist’s practice, and as she says, “such a positive experience.” It’s clear this moment is something India’s been working towards her entire life – art is her first love.

“Growing up I spent hours drawing in watercolours,” she says. “When I was in Year 7, I started reading about early renaissance painting. Then when I was 16, I did a student exchange to Italy and saw those paintings in the flesh – my mind was blown.”

Since then, India’s artistic passion well and truly took hold. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts, where she learnt to paint with her now preferred tool of choice, oils. She then went on to do a Master of Fine Arts at the National Art School, completing pieces that referenced 17th century Dutch tronie painting. 

“For the first few years of my undergraduate degree, I found navigating the material challenging, but oils lend themselves so well to figurative painting, so I persisted,” India says. “I’ve always had a preference for traditional painting genres, including portraiture and still-life.”

It is her portraiture work that has afforded her the great honour of being named a finalist in the Archibald Prize… twice! In 2016, her submission of musician Dane Taylor – the lead singer of experimental pop band Shining Bird from Austinmer – titled Day at the gallery with Dane Taylor won praise for its striking simplicity and ode to figurative classicism.

India’s works have also been exhibited and sold at The Egg & Dart Gallery in Thirroul – the contemporary artspace, which supports a talented hub of artists and is doing great things for the local creative community.

“Community is critical for artists,” India agrees. “We spend many solitary hours working. A place like the Egg & Dart not only provides artists with a place to exhibit and sell work, but also a support network of like-minded kin.” 

Recently, she’s also started hosting life drawing sessions at Frank’s Wild Years – the fantastic record store/music venue/bar in Thirroul. “I don’t teach technique so it’s not a class,” India says. “People just bring a sketchbook and have a glass of wine. It’s very low-key.”

Moving towards her “ultimate goal” of building a sustainable career as an artist, the Gerringong-born painter is well and truly on her way! She’s now working on pieces for a group show, featuring seven accomplished artists, to be held at the Wollongong Art Gallery later this year. Coinciding with the gallery’s 40th anniversary, the exhibition is one certainly not to be missed!

 

data-animation-override>
when I was 16, I did a student exchange to Italy and saw those paintings in the flesh – my mind was blown

Upcoming Events

Advertise with us

More People related articles:

For David and Henry, age is just a number. But for these two centenarians, discovering a new friendship has been the key to enjoying a new chapter of life.
This unique business idea has recognised that the coming-of-age story for many people with a disability needs to be re-written, which is leading to stellar experiences for so many here in the Illawarra and beyond.
A woman with short dark hair wearing an orange coat smiles at the camera, standing against a rustic dark background with her hands in her pockets.
An award-winning author, writing mentor and teacher, Helena uses kindness as the compass for her work and life and believes in the power of storytelling to process hard things and find the volume of your voice.
Meet Ruby D’Rozario from Thirroul, childhood cancer survivor and ambassador for Shine Like Charli
As lettering artist The Marker, Wollongong born and raised Gill Dinh has brought her creative vision to outdoor spaces for close to a decade. But now Gill is fulfilling a lifelong dream, stepping into the arena as a MasterChef contestant this season.

Jessica Clark of Earth Worthy Bags has founded a visionary enterprise and is on a mission to redefine the way we approach consumption, championing ethical practices and sustainability.

The first all-women's surf comp on the south coast is riding the huge wave of young women now joining the sport, marking the Sunday 5 May event at Woonona Beach as a milestone, decades in the making.

World-renowned stencil artist Luke Cornish, a.k.a. ELK, has found his home – and his peace – in the Illawarra. And now he’s bringing global acclaim to a local canvas.

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, we meet six inspiring women of the Illawarra, who all bring something special to our region

Professional basketball coach and former player, Justin Tatum

Taking the helm mid-season may have been a leap for some, but Illawarra Hawks coach, Justin Tatum – and father of USA NBA superstar, Jayson Tatum – is taking it all in his stride.

Paul Smith’s lifelong passion for rugby league led him to create the annual Shellharbour Stingrays Masters Carnival bringing together ‘old blokes’ - aged over 35 - for a game of modified footy, fostering a sense of comradery and nostalgia

Now more than ever, local businesses need our support! Check out some great local traders to get behind

Former high school woodwork teacher and master craftsman Brett Davis has held a lifelong passion for all things timber. But it is his connection to community and faith through woodwork that tells an even greater story.

Mother and Son screenwriter Tristram Baumber teams up with Matt Okine and Denise Scott to reboot the iconic series

Meet Simone Erdedi from Thirroul

Faye Hollands is a passionate activist and advocate for childhood cancer research. Her family’s experience has touched many in the Illawarra, and each year the Shine Like Charli ball breaks its own fundraising records. But life and work wasn’t always like this for Faye.

Meet Suzie McKinnon, a proud Unanderra resident with deep roots in the Illawarra.

Age is no barrier for Towradgi-based Instagram influencer, Marion Maclean, who, at 59, is inspiring thousands of women with her message that 50 isn’t old.

Let’s Be Friends

We’d love to send you occassional news and updates of happenings along the Coal Coast to your inbox!

Let’s be friends

We’d love to send updates of happenings along our Coal Coast to your inbox!

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Privacy(Required)