Melbourne photographer Michael Christofas has been named a finalist in the 2026 Percival Photographic Portrait Prize in Townsville for his work Pillars of Megisti, a portrait honouring the enduring strength and legacy of Kastellorizian women in Australia.
Presented as part of the biennial Percivals competition, the national portrait prize showcases painting and photography from artists across Australia, with finalists competing for a $10,000 major acquisitive photography award.
Winners will be announced at the exhibition launch on 23 May, with the exhibition running until 30 August at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.
Christofas said the shortlisted work reflects on his Kastellorizian heritage while highlighting “the significance of Kazzie women and their enduring strength, which has ensured the stability of our community for over 100 years in Melbourne/Victoria.”
The portrait features six women of Kastellorizian descent wearing traditional and historical clothing and jewellery, including items more than a century old.
The work follows centenary celebrations held last year by the Victorian Kastellorizian community, with other Australian states also recently marking similar milestones.
Established in 2007, The Percivals is North Queensland’s biennial portrait competition and provides a platform for established and emerging artists across Australia and internationally.
As part of the exhibition program, judges Sasha Grishin, Serena Bently and Ron McBurnie will host a free public talk at the gallery on 24 May, offering insight into this year’s finalists, winners and judging process.
