Overview
Since 1921, the annual Archibald Prize has given Australasian artists the opportunity to showcase their portraiture talents — painting notable members of the arts, political and scientific communities, from famous faces to lesser-known local legends.
Thanks to this year's regional tour, you don't have to venture to the Prize's home the Art Gallery of NSW to see the exhibition because all the works are travelling around Australia, taking up residence at Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, yapang from April 8–May 21.
Winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.
The painting by 2022 winner, Blak Douglas (Sydney-based artist with Dhungatti heritage), will take centre stage with his portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens who lives on Bundjalung Country in Lismore. The work makes reference to the disastrous floods that hit Northern NSW in early 2022.
Among other Archibald highlights: a portrait of Skywhale artist Patricia Piccinini by Natasha Bieniek, Vincent Namatjira's self-portrait with a dingo, Felix von Dallwitz's portrait of Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, Claus Stangl's 3D-style portrait of Taika Waititi, and Natasha Walsh's Dear Brett (the blue room), which references Brett Whiteley's 1976 Archibald-winning self-portrait.
Archibald Prize 2022 finalist, Vincent Namatjira, Self-portrait with dingo, acrylic on linen, 136.5 x 121.5 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Vincent Namatjira (self-portrait).
This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see works from some of Australia's finest painters, each telling the story of a notable Australian doing something of significance within their community. It's also a great excuse to visit MAC yapang on the shore of Lake Macquarie — within the leafy surrounds of Sculpture Park. The Archibald Prize exhibition is just one of many high calibre shows and cultural events taking place up here.
Head to Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, yapang from April 8–May 21 to see an eclectic collection of paintings that ranked at the top of 2022's Archibald Prize competition.
Top image: Excerpt of winner Archibald Prize 2022, Blak Douglas. Moby Dickens, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 300 x 200 cm © the artist, image © AGNSW, Mim Stirling. Sitter: Karla Dickens.