Is there any other art accolade in the country that conjures up such spirited conversation, critique and (sometimes) controversy, like the Archibald Prize? We don’t think so. The annual portrait award – which is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW – is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike, and as part of this year’s national tour it is currently showing in Victoria at Bunjil Place Gallery until October 16.
This brand new cultural space in Narre Warren (which is just a 40-minute drive from Melbourne's CBD via the Monash Freeway or Princes Highway) is displaying all 52 Archibald Prize finalists, including the winning entry: Moby Dickens by Blak Douglas, which is a portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens. Other notable works include the Packing Room Prize winner Claus Stangl with his portrait of director, writer, actor and producer Taika Waititi, and Jeremy Eden’s portrait of Samuel Johnson, which won the People’s Choice Award.
You’re guaranteed to spot many other familiar faces hanging on the walls, with musician and activist Peter Garret, actress Lisa McCune, journalist Brooke Boney and author and broadcaster Benjamin Law just a few of the well-known names to sit for portraits this year.
A full program of events is accompanying the exhibition, with guided tours, school holiday workshops, Bites and Beats, and a delightful high tea experience in the Robert Gordon Tea Room on the line-up. The gallery is also hosting the Young Archie competition (which features artists aged five to 18), and for one-night only on October 13 the precinct will stay open late for Night Mode – an exciting after-hours event that will include a range of special activities.
Tickets for the Archibald Prize are now on sale. Session capacity is limited, so pre-book to avoid the queue. For more information, head to the website.