MELBOURNE.- NGV Studio opened 30 portraits 30 days, an exhibition that sees acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo undertake an artistic marathon by painting 30 inspirational Australians in 30 days. This exciting exhibition is a collaboration between the NGV and Lucid, a new social enterprise for which Vincent is an ambassador, that aims to raise awareness and break through the stigma surrounding alcohol and other drug addiction.

Each day, a new artwork will be revealed as Vincent produces portraits of well-known Australians including The Hon Bob Hawke AC, film director Baz Lurhman, musician Kimbra and celebrity chef Matt Moran.

“We are thrilled to be presenting another unique project like 30 portraits 30 days at NGV Studio. As the 30 days march on, Vincent will add each new portrait to the exhibition space – the final collection will be spectacular,” said Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV.

During 30 portraits 30 days, follow the NGV’s Facebook and Twitter pages to find out when Vincent will be working on his paintings at NGV Studio. Visitors to the exhibition also are encouraged to leave their own artistic mark on a wall mural that extends across NGV Studio.

Vincent completed another 30-day painting marathon in New York last year and prior to that in Hong Kong in 2008, the same year in which he received runner-up and the People’s Choice Award in the Archibald Prize for his portrait of the late Heath Ledger.

NGV Studio is a contemporary exhibition and event space that provides opportunities for artists to engage and interact with the viewer. It promotes new and experimental art forms, encouraging innovation and experimentation in content, interpretation and display.