Kathrin Longhurst is a fearless storyteller and an uncompromising voice in contemporary art. Born during the Cold War in East Berlin, her early years were shaped by the rigid ideals of a totalitarian regime. At 15, she escaped to the West, a seismic shift that ignited her passion for freedom, self-expression, and the reclamation of identity.
Through her art, Longhurst dismantles patriarchal power structures and challenges societal norms, fusing classical realism with historical ephemera to create work that is both timeless and strikingly modern. Her predominantly female subjects exude strength and vulnerability in equal measure, confronting the viewer with their unflinching gaze. They are statuesque yet layered with emotional depth, embodying resilience and breaking free from imposed ideals of femininity.
Longhurst’s work draws heavily from vintage propaganda, reframing these historically male-dominated visual languages into bold feminist statements. Her large-scale paintings celebrate autonomy and defiance, a reminder of the power in rewriting one’s narrative. Her advocacy also extends beyond the canvas – as a feminist and activist, she is deeply committed to supporting displaced peoples and refugees, with a focus on amplifying women’s stories of resilience and strength.
Based in Sydney, Australia, Longhurst’s work has captivated audiences worldwide. Whether in paint or practice, she invites us to confront inherited ideologies and reimagine a world defined by equality, strength, and individuality.
A well-respected member of the Sydney arts community, Kathrin Longhurst served as vice president for Portrait Artists Australia for some years and is currently founder and director of the innovative Project 504, an art space that fosters collaboration between emerging and established Australian artists. She completed her tenth solo show in 2014 and has been a finalist in numerous awards including the prestigious 2012 Sulman Prize, the Mosman Art Prize, the Portia Geach Award, the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Prize, the Korea Australia Arts Foundation Prize and the WA Black Swan Prize. Kathrin Longhurst’s work is collected widely in Australia and internationally.
PRIZES
The Darling Prize 2020
Archibald Prize 2018, 2021, 2022 (winner Packing Room Prize 2021)
Doug Moran Portrait Prize 2017
Sir John Sulman Prize 2012
Percival Portrait Painting Prize 2016
Portia Geach Memorial Prize 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022 (winner People’s Choice Prize 2017), 2018, 2019, 2020
Black Swan Prize 2008, 2009
Mosman Art Prize 2009, 2012, 2016
Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award 2008
Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2018
KAAF Art Prize 2013, 2017
Willoughby Art Prize 2003
Northern Beaches Art Prize 2020 (winner open category 2020)
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
18+ major sell out solo exhibition nationally and internationally
Including:
2023 ‘A Heroine’s Journey: Imperfect Memories and Reflections, Gallery One, Gold Coast
2022 “We can be Heroes” Gallery One, Gold Coast
2021 “Fighting Spirit” Gallery One, Gold Coast
2019 “Fighters and Dreamers” Gallery One, Gold Coast
2018 “Ode to Femme” Gallery One, Gold Coast
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
34+ major group exhibitions nationally and internationally
Including:
2024 ‘Summer’ Exhibition at Gallery One, Gold Coast.
2021 “Woman – Painting all over the World”, European Museum of Contemporary Art (MEAM), Barcelona Spain
2020 “WOMAN”, James Baird Gallery, Canada
2020 “Creator & Muse”, online through 33 Contemporary, Chicago
2019 “Pintando Hoy – Painting Today”, European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), Barcelona
2019 “Mondo Tondo”, Arcadia Gallery, Los Angeles
2019 Beautiful Bizarre Prize Exhibition, Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco
2018 “About Peace” Maitland Regional Gallery, Hunter Valley
2018 “Animation Reimagined” Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco
2017 “International Artist Grand Prix”, Get Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
COLLECTIONS
Kathrin’s work is included in corporate, public and private collections in Australia and internationally.
Kathrin’s work is part of the Bennett Collection of Female Figurative