The Guardian: Portrait of a mentor: ‘granddaddy of National Art School campus finds himself the subject

The Guardian: Portrait of a mentor: ‘granddaddy of National Art School campus finds himself the subject

Article by Ben Doherty

“When you paint someone you know, it is not just a subject, it’s someone you have a connection with. I wanted to capture that soul, that person, the generosity that everyone sees in him. I hope I have done that.” – Lesley Wengembo

The Guardian Australia speak with current student Lesley Wengembo and the subject of his Archibald Prize entry, NAS Campus Assistant Mal Nabogi about the National Art School, Wengembo’s practice and Nabogi’s positive influence special connection to all students on campus.

Read more through the link below.

Image: National Art School student Lesley Wengembo with Mal Nabogi, standing, the subject of his Archibald prize entry. Photo: Carly Earl/The Guardian

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The National Art School is proud to present The Grad Show, our major end-of-year exhibition showcasing the work of the 2025 Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) graduate students.
 
Join us for the opening night on Thursday 4 December. 

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The Grad Show
5–14 December 2025
Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate our 2025 cohort at last night's opening of The Postgrad Show.
 
The Postgrad Show is now on view across the NAS campus until 16 November.
 
Learn more and visit the online exhibition at the link in bio.
Opening tonight, The Postgrad Show.
 
Join us from 6–10pm to celebrate the work of our graduating Master of Fine Art (MFA) and Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) students, exhibited throughout the NAS campus.
 
RSVP link in bio.
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