Loribelle Spirovski

Australian Women ArtistsThe podcastEp. 45 Loribelle SpirovskiToday it’s my privilege to be joined by Australian contemporary artist Loribelle Spirovski. Loribelle's passion for art began very early. She and her family moved to Australia from the Philippines when she was a young girl. This experience was very formative and continues to shape her practice. Her formal art education began at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW, and after graduating, Loribelle quickly established herself in the Australian art scene. Her early works were marked by introspective themes, often reflecting the emotional complexities of migration, identity, and cultural hybridity. She began exhibiting in group shows and small galleries, gradually gaining recognition for her distinctive style that fused photorealistic detail with surreal, dreamlike compositions. We had a great chat covering a broad range of topics...like how the colours of Australia were almost overwhelming when she first came here as a child, why she focussed on portraiture, how and why American filmmaker David Lynch became such a big influence, how a huge effort on her part to create her first Archibald entry almost led to her giving up on that prize...but her response was fabulous. And actor John Bell was a big part of that. How a painful condition led her to sit disconsolate in front of her easel not being able to hold a paintbrush, then she started listening to Indigenous musician William Barton and instinct took over, she threw away the brush, put on some gloves...and finger painted. The portrait won the Archibald People's Choice in 2025.A finalist in the Archibald Prize 4 times, the Portia Geach Memorial Award 8 times and a finalist in The Lester Prize for Portraiture. Loribelle has exhibited widely across Australia, Europe, and the United States. Head to the link in my bio to have a listen to our conversation.Her works are available via @nandahobbs @arcadiagallery @lennoxstgalleryInsta images1. LS (supplied by artist)2. Finger painting of William Barton 2025 oil on canvas 182 x 1373. The Alchemist oil on canvas 150 x 1204. John Bell at home 2017 oil on canvas 166 x 110