BISP is proud to celebrate Elina Shestakova, who has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Italthai Portrait Prize 2025. To be chosen as a finalist in Thailand’s leading portrait painting competition is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to Elina’s talent, creativity and dedication to her art.

The Italthai Portrait Prize is Thailand’s first-ever portrait painting competition. Now in its fifth year, the competition continues to foster artistic growth and recognise creative excellence across the country. This year’s theme — “LIFE: Growth, Dream, and Failure” — invited artists to capture powerful personal stories through their brushstrokes.

The winners will be announced at the Italthai Portrait Prize 2025 Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, at River City Bangkok. All finalist artworks, including Elina’s, will be exhibited at River City from 19 November to 16 December 2025.

“Loading…”/”กำลังโหลด…” is a portrait of my teenage sister (12 years old) that represents what it’s like growing up, dreaming, studying, trying, failing but keeping on going. It represents dedication to achieve dreams even when times are tough. With every mistake, we grow, we learn. This artwork is a physical reminder to never give up, because that is exactly what life is about. Everyone’s dreams deserve to come to live, but before that, everyone should experience what it’s like – to grow, to dream and to fail.” – Elina Shestakova (Year 10)

Families who have the opportunity to visit River City Bangkok during this period are warmly encouraged to explore the exhibition and celebrate the remarkable creativity of young artists like Elina.

Elina’s selection as a finalist highlights the strength of BISP’s arts community and the creative spirit that thrives within our students. We look forward to seeing her work displayed alongside Thailand’s finest artists and wish her the very best of luck at the upcoming awards ceremony.

To learn more about the exhibition, visit River City Bangkok – Italthai Portrait Prize 2025.