It’s Archibald time

22 Mar 2013

The Archibald Prize is always an eagerly anticipated exhibition with art enthusiasts often lining up to get through the doors of the Art Gallery of NSW almost as soon as the exhibition starts.

After 92 years, the exhibition is as popular as ever.

Last Thursday, Mathew Lynn was announced as the recipient of the Packing Room Prize, which is chosen by the staff at the Art Gallery, for his portrait of writer Tara Moss (pictured).

The 2013 Archibald Prize has been presented to Del Kathryn Barton for her portrait of Hugo Weaving. Barton has always admired Hugo’s work, calling him “an artist in every sense of the word.”

“More than anything I hoped to portray a sincere, deep, generous and creative soul,” she said.

The Archibald Prize is always highly contested with portraits revealing a who’s who of Australian culture.

The Wynne Prize is awarded to the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture. This year, Imants Tillers was awarded the prize for ‘Namatjira’, paying homage to Albert Namatjira a pivotal figure in Australian art.

Lastly, the Sulman Prize is for the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media. For 2013, this was won by Victoria Reichelt. ‘After (books)’ explores the changing way society receives information and the landscape of the modern-day library.

Of course, there is still the People’s Choice award to be given out and everyone who visits the exhibition has the chance to vote.

What: Archibald Prize 2013
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: 23 March – 2 June
Cost: $10 adult, $8 concession/child, $7 member
Website: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au