Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2019

Overview

The Art Gallery of New South Wales's annual celebration of Aussie faces is back for another year. The Archibald finalists are currently on display at Art Gallery of NSW until Sunday, September 8, running in conjunction with the Wynne and Sulman Prizes — recognising the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figure sculpture and the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project, respectively.

The prestigious portrait competition pulls a compelling lineup of artworks each year, portraying an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, politicians, sports heroes and other notable Aussies. This year's $100,000 prize attracted a record 919 entries, with Tony Costa's portrait of fellow artist Lindy Lee, simply titled Lindy Lee, taking out the top gong.

Meanwhile, Tessa MacKay was awarded the 2019 Archibald Packing Room Prize, chosen by the packing room team, for her hyperreal portrait of actor David Wenham, called Through the Looking Glass. Both of which will be on display, of course. Plus, you'll see a painting by Vietnamese-Australian artist, actor and writer Anh Do, a portrait of Paralympic champion Dylan Alcott by Sydney-based stencil artist Kirpy, Carla Fletcher's cosmic work of Del Kathryn Baron and a hyperreal self-portrait of a nude, pregnant Katherine Edney.

Although the guessing game is over and the winner announced, it's the actual exhibition that's the exciting part — it's a chance to catch an incredibly varied collection of portraits of some pretty exceptional people by some of Australia's top artists. Even though the prize runs for a few months in Sydney alone, it never fails to draw a crowd. Plus, if you don't agree with the judges' pick for the Archibald, you can cast your own vote for ANZ People's Choice Award while you're there.

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2019 will be running is on now until September 8. Tickets cost $20 (or $18 for members) for entry to the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman exhibitions — or add entry to The Essential Duchamp for an additional $16. To purchase tickets, visit the Art Gallery of NSW's website.

Plus, across Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, ANZ cardholders (ANZ access card, ANZ Visa debit card or ANZ credit card) can enter the Archibald Prize exhibition for free. Simply present your valid card (or mobile wallet) at the gallery ticketing desk for your complimentary ticket. For more info, head this way. 

Top image: Lindy Lee by Tony Costa