In this history-making year when First Nations artists won both the Packing Room Prize and the top gong, the Archibald Prize (Meyne Wyatt and Vincent Namatjira respectively), there’s understandably a lot of buzz around the exhibition. Keen to give the people what they want, the Art Gallery of NSW has launched a free livestream talk series, Art After Hours Online.
It's hosted by inimitable man-about-town Benjamin Law, who kicked things off last week in conversation with Wyatt, who wowed the Q&A audience earlier this year. He was followed by Kurdish-Iranian writer, filmmaker, refugee activist, and all-round living legend Behrouz Boochani, muse to six-time Archibald finalist Angus McDonald. He captured Boochani’s likeness in Christchurch earlier this year, after being continually barred from visiting him locked up on Manus. You can stream that chat here.
This week Ben will speak with RuPaul's Drag Race superstar Trixie Mattel. The US phenomenon beloved of so many in the LGBTIQ+ and ally community, aka performer Brian Michael Firkus, will Archibald finalist artist Kim Leutwyler, who migrated to Australia from the States in 2012. Having depicted Trixie in full fluoro regalia before, this time she captured Firkus’ behind-the-scenes likeness. You can tune into their chat free on Wednesday, October 14 at 7.30pm.
Don't worry if you miss them live, because you can catch up here. And stay tuned for big news on the final Archibald instalment coming soon.
Inspired by art? Check out the best exhibitions around town this month.
