The Archibald Prize is a great excuse for an art-inspired getaway to Sydney this winter. The annual exhibition opens this weekend and is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike.
While the winner of the Archibald Prize is to be announced tomorrow, the highly anticipated packing room prize has been awarded to Bruno Jean Grasswill for his portrait of Michel Caton. The head of the packing room, Steve Peters says the Grasswill portrait of Caton fit his criteria for a good portrait: “somebody everybody recognises, somebody everyone likes and it’s well-painted, which is the main thing.”
We walked the red carpet with Michael Caton last week (check out our Instagram for more) for the premiere of his new film “Last Cab to Darwin” and he definitely has an expressive and rugged face worthy of painting. The new film by the way, is outstanding and the best Aussie film we’ve seen in ages! Catch it in cinemas nationally when it opens on 6 August.
You can judge for yourself in the People’s Choice Awards, with audiences asked to cast their vote for their favourite portrait with great prizes to be won. It’s also a great opportunity to see work of budding artists aged 5-18 on display in the Young Archies. Last year’s collection was so impressive and heart warming, it's simply not to be missed.
The winner of the $100,000 Archibald Prize, as well as the winners of the Sulman and Wynne Prizes will be revealed on Friday 17 July. Exhibition is on at Art Gallery of NSW from 18 July – 27 September 2015.
Make a day of it and enjoy lunch at CHISWICK at the Gallery. Co-owned by Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan, CHISWICK is located in the Art Gallery of NSW at the eastern end of the Grand Court. Enjoy superb, casual dining with fresh produce coming straight from the kitchen garden on the gallery grounds.
Our pick to stay nearby is Adge Apartments a contemporary boutique hotel with apartment style rooms with a splash of colour and personality to boot! Browse our full collection of Sydney accommodation here or just ask our advice.
Are you planning on an art-inspired weekend to the Archibald Prize?
17 July Update: The winner of the Archibald Prize is Nigel Milsom for his portrait entitled Judo house pt 6 (the white bird).
Image credit: SMH, ChiswickYou Might Also Like: Ten Best Getaways from Sydney
