Bromley x Miss Universe Australia

I have had a long history with Miss Universe and the Barbagallo's, having painted Sophia several years ago, as well as involvement in painting past crowned winners of Miss Universe, Scherri Lee Biggs and Olivia Molly Rogers. So, when earlier this year, I was asked by Troy and Sophia Barbagallo whether I would collaborate with Miss Universe Australia 2026, we quickly discovered that one of the most exciting ways to link together was for me to paint the 30 National Finalists, and more importantly, meet the finalists and photograph each of them in person. So, whilst we started preparing to fly around Australia for the photoshoots, it came up that they were soon to all be in Vietnam together. Well, how perfect was that? I’d always wanted to go visit Vietnam and for all the finalists to be there, it was the ideal opportunity to get to know the finalists, photograph each of them, then upon our return, capture them in paint. We quickly packed up our kit sack, arrived in a beautiful resort on the beach at Nha Trang, with a swimming pool, great food and a wonderful studio to shoot in. I must say, if this sounds idyllic, it was. Across 2 full days from 10am to 8pm, we photographed all these women who had so much about them, down to earth, pursuing such varied and interesting career paths, and committed to portraying their individual personalities on the Miss Universe Australia stage. It really was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve ever had preparing for an exhibition, and Yuge and I found their company delightful, the setting beautiful and inspiring and as we got to know each of the finalists, more and more new ideas began to form as to how I would portray them through my brush. The only problem has been that, as I hold these people in such high regard, I want to do justice to their charisma and the sunshine that emanates from their hearts and souls. So, please come peruse the exhibition and see whether I’ve achieved that. David Bromley