Archibald Prize finalists on exhibition at Tweed Regional Gallery from this week
Northern Rivers residents will have the chance to get up close and personal with the finalist artworks in this year's Archibald Prize from tomorrow, Friday January 22, when the touring exhibition arrives in the region.
Hosted by the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre at Murwillumbah, it will be the first stop on the 2020 Archibald Prize Regional Tour following its display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.
The exhibition will include 54 of the 55 finalists works, including the winning portrait of former professional Australian rules footballer, Adam Goodes, by artist Vincent Namatjira, the first Aboriginal artist to win the Prize in its 99-year history.
People's Choice Winner, Lennox Head artist Angus McDonald's portrait of Behrouz Boochani
Also on display will be Lennox Head artist Angus McDonald's portrait of Behrouz Boochani, which won the People's Choice award, and Packing Room Prize winner Meyne Wyatt's self portrait.
Other subjects include actor Magda Szubanski, chef Adam Liaw, and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is Australia's favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious. Awarded to the best portrait painting, it's a who's who of Australian culture - from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists.
Dark Emu - portrait of Bruce Pascoe, by Craig Ruddy
Tweed Regional Gallery last hosted the prize in 2016, attracting thousands of visitors over its six-week display.
"We're so excited to be able to bring the Archibald Prize back to the Tweed Regional Gallery and to be the first venue on the regional tour," said gallery director Susi Muddiman OAM.
The exhibition will be launched with a preview event hosted by the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd. today, Thursday January 21 followed by a Gallery Up Late event tomorrow night, Friday January 22.
The 2020 Archibald Prize Regional Tour is a ticketed exhibition. Pre booking is recommended. Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, visitors will need to specify a date when booking. Tickets are $8 Child | $12 Adult.
Kate Beynon's self portrait, With Tudo and the robe
Visit the Tweed Regional Gallery website for more information.
- 2020 Archibald Prize Regional Tour, January 22 - March 7, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre,Murwillumbah.