Last term, AHSister Genevieve Brady (Y10 L06) achieved the remarkable honour of being shortlisted for the prestigious Young Archie competition, a national celebration of young artistic talent. Her portrait, Our Lady of Justice, was selected as one of just 15 finalists in her age category from over 3,200 entries.
During the Term 2 school holidays, Genevieve’s work was proudly displayed alongside the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Adding a special touch to the exhibition experience, All Hallows’ School staff member Ms Cathy Jensen, the subject of the portrait, met Genevieve and her family at the Gallery to see the artwork firsthand.
Genevieve shared that she chose Ms Jensen as her subject because she wanted to portray someone whose kind, compassionate, and caring nature has made a lasting impact on her. Through Our Lady of Justice, she aimed to capture those qualities in a way that felt both personal and powerful.
Ms Jensen shared that visitors to the Gallery were captivated by Genevieve’s artwork, with many pausing to admire the portrait and even recognising her as the subject. It was a touching moment of public appreciation, which Genevieve accepted with characteristic humility and grace.
“Standing side by side before her beautiful portrait, the moment felt surreal and deeply moving,” Ms Jensen reflected. “It reminded me of Nelson Mandela’s words: when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same—and that’s exactly what this moment with Genevieve captured.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Genevieve on this outstanding achievement and commend Ms Jensen for her inspiring participation in the portrait. We are immensely proud to see Genevieve’s creativity and talent recognised through such a significant competition.
Genevieve’s artwork remains on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until 17 August 2025, and can also be viewed online via the Gallery’s website: Young Archie competition finalists 2025 | Art Gallery of NSW