Sam Mountford and Tess Campbell, of West Hobart, won prize for their four minute and 31 second video titled The Rest and featuring Moonah cafe owners Rick and Jonathan.

Mountford and Campbell, through their artist statement, described the intricacies and details of the couple featured in the video.

“Homemade cake and coffee aside, what makes Magnolia73 exceptional is Jonathan and Rick’s love of ornamentation which extends from the walls to their bodies,” the statement read.

“Jonathan is a multimedia artist whose work explores representations of masculinity throughout history and Rick was previously a martial arts teacher with a black belt in Taekwondo.

“Like the cafe, their home is a reflection of their interest in Eastern philosophy and mysticism, their appreciation of form and a particular penchant for the kitsch.

“The house is named The Rest: after long days at work they sit by the fire with their dog Karma and Jonathan reads novels while Rick plays video games.”

RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portraiture Prize judges were Natalie Wilson, Luke Wagner and Laura Gillam.

Wilson, who is also the curator of Australian and Pacific Art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, said the judges were impressed by the diversity in mediums as well as the high quality of works. 

“The focus on digital technology and its’ increasing impact was particularly evident this year,” Wilson said. 

Mountford and Campbell received $10,000 prize money and trip for two to the Archibald Prize in Sydney.

The competition, now in its 11th year, was established to foster the development of emerging Tasmanian artists and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents to the public. 

There were more than 100 entries submitted from around the state across a broad range of mediums.

More than half of the works were submitted by female Tasmanian artists.

This year’s runner up was announced as Harriet Wilson for her painting titled Crete.

The judges also made a special commendation this year, which was awarded to Joel Parkinson for his piece titled Elude. 

This award was a new introduction to the Tasmanian Portraiture Prize.

The Sponsors’ Choice, was awarded to Ariel Ruby for her multimedia piece titled The Italian Museum (Nonna’s House). 

The exhibition, showcasing the works of all 35 finalists, will be on display at the Long Gallery in Hobart from October 6-21.

The showcase will travel to Launceston and will be exhibited at Sawtooth ARI from November 3-24.

The exhibition will end at the Makers’ Workshop in Burnie from November 30 until January 27, 2019.