Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize hits the Gold Coast, with HOTA welcoming Archie 100: A Century of Archibald Prize in July.
Following the 100-year celebration of the prestigious Archibald Prize in 2021, the landmark touring exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize finally arrives on the Gold Coast on Saturday 15 July 2023.
This highly anticipated exhibition finds a home at HOTA – Home of the Arts, providing an opportunity for the public to celebrate this much loved portrait prize at one of the countries most exciting new galleries.
Arranged thematically, Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize unearths fascinating stories behind more than 100 artworks carefully selected from every decade. It reflects not just how artistic styles and approaches to portraiture have changed over time but, importantly, the changing face of our nation.
Since 1921, the Archibald prize has attracted entries from both prominent and emerging artists in Australia and New Zealand, and featured people from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes.
The exhibition is the result of many years of research for lost portraits, featuring works from the Art Gallery of NSW’s collection as well as works from libraries, galleries and museums across Australia and New Zealand, and private Australian and international collections. Some of the works have not been seen since first being exhibited in the Archibald.
Among the notable works on display, is the striking portrait of Miss M Roberts (Portrait in grey) 1933 by Grace Crowley, Barry Humphries in the character of Mrs Everage 1969 by realist and modern painter John Brack, and a minuscule yet mighty portrait, Wendy Whiteley 2016 by Natasha Bieniek.
Two luminaries set to captivate visitors with their Archibald Prize-winning self-portraits, are former Gold Coast resident William Robinson’s Equestrian self-portrait, 1987 and Brett Whiteley’s, Art, life and the other thing, 1978.
These iconic artworks, along with many others, provide an intimate glimpse into the lives and achievements of remarkable Australians.
Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize invites art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious gallery visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Australian portraiture. The exhibition celebrates the power of art to capture the human spirit and ignite conversations about identity, culture, and society.
HOTA Gallery will offer guided tours and a suite of public programs, workshops and more. Make it a grand day out and experience art on a plate at Palette Restaurant, or soak in the views as you sip cocktails at The Exhibitionist Rooftop Bar and make it an art inspired getaway with a stay at one of our handpicked Gold Coast accommodation.
HOTA hosts Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize from 15 July – 2 October 2023, before the tour moves to Canberra for the final viewing at the National Portrait Gallery 21 October 2023-28 January 2024.
Wes Walters Molly (detail) 1983, collection of Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, Melbourne ©️ Estate of Wes Walters
William Dargie Portrait of Albert Namatjira (detail) 1956, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, purchased 1957 ©️ Estate of William Dargie, photo: QAGOMA
Tempe Manning Self-portrait (detail) 1939, Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased with funds provided by the Art Gallery Society of NSW 2021 ©️ Estate of Tempe Manning
Natasha Bieniek Wendy Whiteley (detail) 2016, collection of the artist ©️ Natasha BieniekProtection of Cultural Objects on Loan
This exhibition includes works that are protected under the Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan Act 2013.
