Today Minister for Foreign Affairs and South Australian Senator the Hon Penny Wong unveiled a portrait painting at Adelaide Festival Centre, donated by internationally acclaimed artist Tianli Zu for display in Festival Theatre foyer.
The portrait, The Senator and Ma, won the Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award at the Salon Des Refusés in 2016. The acrylic on linen artwork by Tianli Zu portrays Penny Wong in her two roles – the first, as the public figure Senator Wong, a well-known politician. Secondly, on the right of the canvas, is Penny Wong as a mother, her relaxed stance and attire show her in a happy moment with her daughter.
At today’s unveiling ceremony in Festival Theatre foyer, the Hon Penny Wong said: “I’ve said no to quite a lot of portraits over the years, but when Tianli contacted me, she spoke so much about her experiences as a Chinese Australian. I hope this portrait says something more than about me, I hope it says something about our country and who we are – more accepting, respectful, and celebrating of the differences that our community encompasses.”
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM: “We are delighted to have this impressive painting by acclaimed artist Tianli Zu become part of our Works of Art Collection at Adelaide Festival Centre. The Honourable Penny Wong has a long association with Adelaide Festival Centre and is particularly supportive of our OzAsia Festival. She is a valued advocate of Adelaide Festival Centre’s cultural connections and understands the importance of the arts in growing international relations.”
Artist Tianli Zu also has a long association with Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia Festival and has had artworks exhibited during the festival and designed the striking Gate of Grace which was part of the entrance to the popular Moon Lantern Trail last year.
The Senator and Ma portrait will be on display in Festival Theatre foyer beside a photographic portrait of the Hon Julia Gillard AC by photographer Peter Brew-Bevan and painted portraits of former Premiers, Don Dunstan AC by artist Clifton Pugh and Steele Hall by artist Robert Hannaford.
