Costa Georgiadis Announced as Muse for ABC’s Bradley Portrait Prize

Landscape architect and beloved Gardening Australia presenter Costa Georgiadis has been named the “sunny” artistic muse for this year’s Bradley art competition.

Described as “photosynthesis in human form,” Georgiadis will inspire artists across Australia to capture his likeness.

Expressing his honor at being chosen, Georgiadis remarked, “This is a really, really special moment.” The previous year’s competition featured ABC Weather presenter Jenny Woodward, whose vibrant portraits included depictions with her signature colourful blazers.

Evenings host Rebecca Levingston encouraged artists to use diverse materials for their entries, including unconventional options like scarecrows and anything that “blooms” into a portrait of Georgiadis. The famously hirsute Georgiadis expressed his preference for something “living,” suggesting materials such as repurposed items or ocean waste.

Born in Sydney, Georgiadis spent his youth exploring Bondi’s streets and beaches, under the guidance of his extended family who instilled in him a love for gardening and nature. Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared fond memories of his grandfather’s diverse garden and the valuable lessons he learned.

Georgiadis’s Greek heritage played a significant role in his life. Despite initial reluctance, he grew to appreciate his family’s insistence on learning Greek, which later enriched his life during an exchange trip to Greece. This experience ignited his passion for travel and language.

Georgiadis’s career has since spanned continents, including building nature ponds and rooftop gardens in Austria.

Entering the Bradley:

The Bradley competition is open to all, from amateur artists to seasoned professionals. Entries can be submitted via email to thebradley@abc.net.au or delivered to the ABC Brisbane office. Physical artworks will be displayed in the ABC Brisbane foyer from August, with the winning piece featured in the Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition at the State Library of Queensland.

Entries close on Friday, July 19, 2024. More details are available on the ABC Brisbane website.