A moving photographic portrait of life in isolation has been voted the People’s Choice in the 2020 Northern Beaches Art Prize.

Artist Kevin Paul’s Life in Isolation was awarded the People’s Choice prize (Open category), while 15-year-old Brodie Folkard’s painting Alone was the winner in the Youth category.

Life in Isolation captured the reality of life stuck indoors during lockdown with TV becoming boring and children wanting to go outside to play with their friends.

In July, the image was voted among 10 winners in the Open category by Art Prize judges. They said: “The stillness of this work creates a palpable sense of being locked away.”

Brodie Folkard’s Alone was inspired by his experience feeling anxious during the lockdown and being alone.

For the past six weeks, all 90 finalists in the Open and Youth categories have been on display on Council’s website for people to cast their vote as to who should be the overall People’s Choice winner in each category.

Mayor Michael Regan congratulated both winners.

“A big round of applause for the People’s Choice winners but also for all the finalists in this year’s competition. COVID has been a unique and emotional time for so many and you really see that reflected through the submitted works, in particular the winners of the People’s Choice."

“By voting these images as winners, it’s clear social isolation as a consequence of the COVID pandemic weighs heavily on people’s minds."

Each People’s Choice winner will be awarded $500.

The exhibition features all 90 winning artworks is online until the end of September 2020.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678