The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) has announced leading Australian artist Abdul Abdullah as guest judge for the 2017 Young Archie competition.
In the spirit of the iconic Archibald Prize, the Young Archie competition celebrates young Australian talent by inviting budding artists aged five to 18 to paint a portrait of someone who is special to them and plays a significant role in their life.
2016 Young Archie finalists (5-8 years old): Andrew Yao, Advikaa Nageswaramurthy, Mia Eager and winner Alexander Bennett with judges del kathryn barton and Victoria Collings. Photograph: AGNSW
Abdullah is a Sydney-based artist who works across painting, photography, video, installation and performance. He was a finalist in both the Archibald and Sulman Prizes last year, and was a finalist in the Archibald Prize in 2011, 2013 and 2014.
Abdullah takes the reins from 2016 guest judge, artist del kathryn barton and will join the ANSW’s community engagement manager Victoria Collings in judging portrait entries from across the country on their merit and originality.
Collings expresses the gallery’s delight in Abdullah’s appointment as guest judge this year:
“As an accomplished young artist, Abdul recognises the importance of fostering and inspiring children and teenagers to realise their creative potential,” Collings said.
Thomas Allen, Untitled. 5-8 year olds category, Young Archies 2016. Courtesy the AGNSW
“I put all my faith in the next generation, and it’s why I spend so much time working with young people across Australia. It brings me so much joy witnessing young people discover and explore creative practices,” Abdullah said.
I know how important the Archibald Prize was to me growing up, and it’s an honour to be part of that experience for these kids,” Abdullah added.
Finalists will be announced on Thursday 20 July 2017 and will be on show at the AGNSW in conjunction with the annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition from 29 July to 22 October 2017.
Winners for each of the four categories (5-8 years; 9-12 years; 13-15 years and 16-18 years) will be announced on Saturday 16 September 2017. The finalists will each receive an art pack and Archibald 17 catalogue. The four winners will receive a cash prize of $100 each from presenting partner ANZ, an art hamper, a family pass to a paid exhibition at the AGNSW and an Archibald 17 catalogue.
Jasper Hartmann, Untitled. 5-8 year olds category, Young Archies 2014. Courtesy the AGNSW
“I love art and this is my first ever portrait so I chose to do it of myself” – Jasper Hartmann, Coogee NSW (2014, age 5)
