OUR REVIEW OF ARCHIBALD PRIZE
OUR REVIEW OF SULMAN PRIZE
OUR REVIEW OF WYNN PRIZE
The beauty of the Archibald Prize is that everyone can have an opinion and a favourite piece - a democratic right if you will. It was the kids favourite section after the Young Achies as they could choose the winner. Here’s some of our favourite pieces in no order but including the winners like Laura Jones’ winning Archibald portrait of Tim Winton. The Packing Room Prize winner portrait by Matt Adnate of singer Baker Boy, where you could see the fresh looking spray paint dripping lines. And the People’s Choice winner portrait of instrumental figure Professor Marcia Langton AO by Angus McDonald. I am a big Missy Higgins’ fan so it was a natural pick for me and loved that her sister Nicola painted it. Anna Mould’s Complicit ghost-like figure reflecting colonisation was a moving piece for me. Meagan Pelham’s Highlight in the moonlight Taylor Swift like painting of a girl was Miss’ favourite. While Mister loved and took the photo of Sally Ross’s Matthew portrait. I enjoyed focusing on the details in Kean One See’ Margaret Ackland surrounded in her Sydney studio, surrounded by her sumptuous watercolour paintings. But it was the yellow and light colours of Zoe Young’s Jill’s at Bills that sold me and the memories of owner and chef Bill Granger.
Australia’s most engaging art event.
The Archibald Prize for portrait painting is Australia’s most celebrated and democratic – sometimes controversial – art award. Open to any artist living in Australia or New Zealand, since 1921 it has reflected the unique experiences of the people who live in this region, highlighting figures from all walks of life.
As equally exciting for the diverse entries they attract from across the country, the Wynne Prize is for landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize is for subject painting, genre painting or a mural project.
The ‘must-see’ annual exhibition of finalists and winners in these three competitions is always compelling viewing.
Each year, the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales judge the Archibald and Wynne, and invite an artist to judge the Sulman. The 2024 Sulman Prize judge is Tom Polo.
Have your say by voting for your favourite portrait in the ANZ People’s Choice award, and see art by our next generation of artists aged 5–18 in the Young Archies. For families, there is also a children’s trail.
Event details:
Dates: 8 June – 8 September 2024
Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales, South Building on Lower level 2
Tickets: Charges apply.