Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023

Overview

Every year for the past 102 years, the Archibald Prize has recognised exceptional works of portraiture by Australian artists. In 2023, from a field of 57 finalists, the coveted award has gone to Head in the sky, feet on the ground, a portrait of award-winning singer, David Byrne collaborator and Australian Eurovision representative Montaigne.

Gutman's win at the age of 29, scoring the $100,000 award, makes her one of the prize's youngest-ever winners in its 102-year history. And, she's also the 11th woman to win the acclaimed accolade — doing so for her first-ever Archibald Prize entry.

Head in the sky, feet on the ground emerged victorious from a pool of 949 entries, and in a year that broke a pivotal record: for the first time, more women than men made the final list of contenders for the award.

Other portraits up for the gong included plenty similarly showing famous faces, such as Claudia Karvan, Sam Neill, Archie Roach, Noni Hazlehurst and Daniel Johns — all of which are showing at the Art Gallery of NSW alongside the contenders for the Wynne and Sulman Prizes until Sunday, September 3.

Winner Archibald Prize 2023, Julia Gutman 'Head in the sky, feet on the ground', oil, found textiles and embroidery on canvas, 198 x 213.6 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter
Sitter: Montaigne

The Wynne received 726 entries, with 41 named as finalists, while the Sulman received 673 entries, naming 45 as final contenders.

2023's $50,000 Wynne Prize, which recognises the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, was awarded to interdisciplinary artist and first-time finalist Zaachariaha Fielding. His winning work Inma depicts the sounds of Mimili, his community, which is part of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia.

The $40,000 Sir John Sulman Prize is presented to the best mural, subject or genre painting, with Doris Bush Nungarrayi doing the honours in 2023. The Luritja artist was a first-time finalist in both 2023's Sulman and Wynne Prizes, and is now the second Aboriginal artist to win the Sulman. In Mamunya ngalyananyi (Monster coming), she focuses on several Mamus — aka the ominous and malevolent spirits that terrify the Aṉangu people.

If you don't agree with the judges, you can cast your own vote for People's Choice, which will be announced on Wednesday, August 9.

The exhibition is running every day across the more than four-month residency at the gallery. If you want to reserve your spot for a certain time, you can buy tickets online.

Installation view of the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring Archibald Prize 2023 finalists (left to right) Charles Mouyat, Oliver Shepherd, Paul Newton and David Fenoglio, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter

Top image: Visitors in the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring Archibald Prize 2023 finalists (left to right) Marie Mansfield, Yvette Coppersmith, Kim Leutwyler, Matt Adnate and Angela Brennan, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter