Adam Jauczius 2023 Archibald Portrait Entry

04 May 2023

Local Norfolk Island artist Adam Jauczius has been entering portrait paintings in the Australian Archibald Portrait competition for many years and in March this year he unveiled his latest entry. This year’s amazing image was of David Evans, known to everyone as “Dids”. The painting was on display at Adam and Jenny’s art shop “Norfolk Art” in late March, but as I was busy that week, I missed seeing this beautiful painting.

The 2023 Archibald Entry is 'David 'Dids' Evans, Proud Norfolk Islander'.

“He’s down-to-earth and creative, a farmer and fisherman who, like many old-time Islanders, can turn his hand to almost anything. “Dids” is 'real gude sullun' - a good person - a sculptor, Island Elder and Bounty descendant. For me, “Dids” represents Norfolk's resilient and uncompromising spirit”.

Adam’s past five entries were of musicians, and music is another passion for Adam, and using his artistic talent to capture these portraits. Adam believes conveying the sitter’s essence is the most important thing. “Painting a portrait isn’t easy, it’s a promise and I take it seriously. I promise to tell their story – say something about who they are – and put it down on canvas”.

Adam captured his friends on canvas, and if anyone has seen these paintings, I’m sure they will agree, that each image is very special, and I am pleased I have seen most of them when they were on display at “Norfolk Art”, Adam and Jenny’s Norfolk Island art gallery and shop.

Each year it is interesting to see how many portraits are submitted in the Australian Archibald Portrait competition, and it would be fantastic if Adam’s portrait of “Dids” was among the final 50 to 60 paintings chosen by the judges. This year there were 949 entries for the 2023 Archibald Portrait competition and last week 57 Archibald finalist were picked and, sadly Adam Jauczius’ painting was not chosen. I have looked at the published images of the artwork and the painting of “Dids” was up there with the finalist paintings, it is often said, “it all depends on what the judges are looking for”.

If you would like to view the 2023 finalist, follow the link below.

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2023/

Adam Jauczius (pronounced “Yow-chus) is the local Norfolk Island weatherman and artist. Adam first came to Norfolk Island eighteen years ago. Adam loves the beauty of Norfolk Island and has captured stunning images of Emily Bay, ocean views, forest scenes, sunsets, and stunning areas of this remote South Pacific Island. Adam has also painted many amazing portraits and outback landscapes from his years in the Australian desert working as a Bureau of Meteorology Technician.

In March 2017 Adam and his wife Jenny opened “Norfolk Art”, a gallery of his original paintings, art reproductions and cards. The “Norfolk Art” premises is 102a Taylors Road, opposite the Norfolk Island RSL Memorial Club. When visiting Norfolk Island everyone is welcome to visit “Norfolk Art” and enjoy the art and paintings on display and purchase a gift for a friend or yourself.

You can also check out Adam’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/norfolkart

and website/online store at: http://norfolkart.com.au

Thank you, Adam for sharing your art with our Norfolk Island community and the Australian art community. We all feel very proud of your artwork, and I am sure there will be other art competitions which you can enter this fantastic piece of art, 'David 'Dids' Evans, Proud Norfolk Islander'.

Betty Matthews,

May 2023

. This year’s amazing image was of David Evans, known to everyone as “Dids”. The painting was on display at Adam and Jenny’s art shop “Norfolk Art” in late March, but as I was busy that week, I missed seeing this beautiful painting.