The Archibald Prize 2012: NSW Regional Tour opens at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. The 2012 Prize winner, Tim Storrier’s self-portrait, The histrionic wayfarer (after Bosch), will be on display, alongside the Packing Room winner, Raelene Sharp’s A strength of character (portrait of actor John Wood), and People’s Choice winner, Jenny Sages’ After Jack.
The Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art prizes, awarded to the best portrait painting, preferentially of someone distinguished in art, science or politics. The winner of the Archibald Prize receives $75,000.
In 2012, the 91st year of the Archibald Prize, there were 839 entries, from which 41 were selected as finalists. All 41 will be on show, including previous winners Ben Quilty, Adam Cullen, Vincent Fantauzzo, Garry Shead and Wendy Sharpe.
There will be guided tours every day at 11am and 1pm for the duration of the exhibition. Whether you choose to take a tour or not, volunteers will be around to answer questions and to chat with you about the show and its many fascinating aspects.
Meet the Artists:
Entry is free but bookings are essential for these artist’s talks, which will be followed by drinks on the terrace.
Please phone 4560 4441 to secure a place.
Saturday 16 February, 3pm – Tim Storrier and Marcus Callum
Saturday 23 February, 3 pm – Jenny Sages and Nick Stathopoulos
Saturday 2 March, 3pm – David Fairbairn and Paul Newton
Saturday 9 March, 3pm – Wendy Sharpe
Demonstration: the art of portraiture with Hawkesbury Mayor Clr Kim Ford:
Tuesday 12 February, 10-2pm.
Charles Dickens is supposed to have said ‘there are only two styles of portrait painting: the serious and the smirk’. Which will Hawkesbury mayor Kim Ford choose when sitting for his portrait? And will the artists aim for photographic realism or an impressionistic similarity? You are invited to watch local artists at work as they try to capture the Hawkesbury’s most prominent political figure on canvas.
People’s Choice Award – your chance to win $500:
A People’s Choice Award courtesy of Archibald Prize principal sponsor ANZ gives everyone who enters the chance to win a Debit card valued at $500. Hawkesbury Regional gallery will draw the winner on Friday 15 March 2013 at 7pm.
For a full program of artist talks and film screenings visit the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery’s website.
For more information on the Archibald Prize please visit the Art Gallery of NSW website or Museum & Galleries NSW website.
Archibald Prize 2012: NSW Regional Tour
25 January to 10 March, 2013
Hawkesbury Regional Gallery
Image: Tim Storrier, The histrionical wayfarer (after Bosch), acrylic on canvas, 183 x 122cm
Courtesy Art Gallery of NSW.
