A Tauranga-based artist has been named among the country’s top portrait painters, with Dr Bronwyn Copeland selected as a finalist in the prestigious Adam Portraiture Award 2026.

Copeland is one of 43 artists shortlisted from 429 entries for the biennial award, presented by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata and supported by the Adam Foundation.

The winner, announced on May 20 wins a top prize of $30,000 – a significant increase that underscores the award’s importance in the New Zealand art scene.

Copeland’s finalist work, Facing Behavioural Variant Fronto-temporal Dementia, draws directly from her professional life as a geriatric psychiatrist.

The portrait depicts Kevin and Jacqui Sawford, a Pāpāmoa couple she has worked with through Tauranga Hospital’s memory clinic for about a year.

She said that Kevin, 56, who married his childhood sweetheart, lives with behavioural variant fronto-temporal dementia.

“I have known this beautiful couple since making the diagnosis at Tauranga Hospital’s memory clinic,” Copeland said.

“It has been a privilege to witness their enduring love and devotion despite the profound personality changes caused by the illness. Dementia affects not only the individual but also those around them who must navigate its challenges.”

Kevin and Jacqui Sawford who have seven children and nine grandchildren are facing a future where Kevin has a progressive, life-shortening rare form of dementia. Photo / Brydie Thompson.

When Kevin began showing subtle behavioural changes, his family never imagined dementia could be the cause.

“He’s just 55 years old, and a few short months ago was diagnosed with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia,” Jacqui said.

The rare, young-onset form of dementia, known as bvFTD, affects personality, behaviour and memory. It is progressive, life-shortening, and has no cure.

Jacqui said she remembered watching an interview in April 2025 with retired Hollywood actor Bruce Willis’ wife about his FTD diagnosis.

“I remember thinking, ‘That’s Kevin.’ Those words have never left me.”

Two days later, the bvFTD diagnosis was made.

“We were left shocked and heartbroken. Suddenly everything made sense,” Jacqui said.

She said Kevin is the centre of a big, loving family, and would always lend a hand, share a laugh, and bring warmth into the lives of those around him.

“To see dementia slowly change the man we love so dearly is heartbreaking.”

Jacqui said the earliest signs of bvFTD began about four years ago.

She advised people not to take it lightly if they notice a “massive change in someone’s personality or behaviour”.

“BvFTD hides behind so many faces – depression, stress, burnout, even a midlife crisis.”

Tauranga geriatric psychiatrist and artist Dr Bronwyn Copeland in her studio. Photo / John Borren.

Copeland said her artwork reflects both the challenges of dementia and the enduring strength of human connection.

“My art is shaped by the belief that creativity can bring joy, offer comfort, and transform suffering into moments of beauty and meaning. Through both medicine and art, I am drawn to the human stories that shape our lives.”

The work takes the form of an optical illusion, inviting viewers to engage from multiple angles. As perspective shifts, new layers of meaning emerge – mirroring the confusion, insight and evolving understanding experienced by those living with dementia and their loved ones.

“When viewed from different angles, new meaning and clarity emerge, reflecting how perspective can bring moments of insight within the chaos of dementia,” Copeland said.

Dr Bronwyn Copeland came up with idea to collaborate with those living with Alzheimer's to create art. Photo / John Borren.

Copeland said she balances her medical career with a deep commitment to art, guided by a belief that creativity can offer comfort and meaning.

“I believe art should serve a purpose by enriching society and positively influencing others. It should remain accessible and meaningful to all people, not limited to elite spaces.

“This philosophy guides my work, my family life, and the patients I walk alongside. A photograph shows my artwork from three angles.”

Unconventional materials and fresh perspectives define this year’s Adam Portraiture Award, with painted nails, woven tape measures and corrugated aluminium among the surfaces used in works selected for the 2026 finalist exhibition.

This year’s award introduced a renewed emphasis on portraits painted from life, with all entries required to be based on at least one live sitting – a move that international judge Jude Rae said had strengthened the immediacy and connection within the works.

The finalist exhibition opened at the gallery’s Wellington waterfront site yesterday, May 21, and would run to August 9 before touring nationally.

Gallery director Brian Wood said the 2026 selection reflected both innovation and depth.

“There’s a real sense of momentum in this year’s finalists. The move toward working from life has brought a deeper sense of connection with the sitter, more immediacy and presence to the portraits, while the range of materials and approaches shows just how expansive contemporary portraiture can be.”

For Copeland, the recognition highlights the powerful intersection between art and lived experience – and the stories that connect them.