2023 Archibald Prize

This week l travelled to Mornington to see the 2023 Archibald Exhibition. It was held in the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.

It was my first visit to this gallery and l was very impressed. It's a good space, has excellent customer service and it is set in natural surroundings. Definitely not my last visit.

For those of you who don't know The Archibald Prize is the premier portrait competition in Australia. It is run annually and the main prize is awarded by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW. The main prize is $100,000 and then there is a packers prize which is judged by those who pack the artwork.

There is always some slight rancor about the winner and l have to admit that l didn't agree with this years' winner. Having said that, l wouldn't know how to judge the paintings and am in awe at the artist talent of these painters.

Each portrait is of a well known person in the arts, community etc. Some of them looked like photos they were that good. Imagine having the skill to have someone sit in front of you and then recreate there likeness on a blank canvas.

Below are some of the portraits l found interesting.

I have included this portrait of Don Walker because it was just this week l shared a song by Cold Chisel. Don Walker was the main songwriter for the group and l didn't know he was included in this exhibition.

This is a portrait of Daniel Johns. He is a well known singer-songwriter and was in the band Silverchair. When you stand in front of this painting the colours are so vibrant. It is a very good painting.

I really liked this portrait of Kylie Kwong who is an Australian Chef and Author. I think this was my favourite.

Portrait painting is a skill all of its' own. I don't think any of the over 50 paintings disappointed and it was interesting to see how each artist painted their subject. It was a very good exhibition.

I had a timed entry and there have been big crowds which is all good for this gallery. I will be back to see more exhibitions.

mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

* There was one very big controversy about this prize and l talk all about it on my latest YouTube video.

Comments

It started with a happy bus driver....

It started with a happy bus driver singing along to the radio. Then followed a fruitless search to find a theatre. Just between you and me l am useless at reading maps and have a lousy sense of direction. So then l gave up and walked towards the library to see the 2 authors in conversation. Phillipa Kaye and Jodi Gibson are in the photo below. What an interesting talk. Both authors have books out currently. Phillipa Kaye's book is Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun: A Birdie Mealing Mystery. Phillipa is standing on the left. Jodi Gibson's book is called Reinventing Emily Brown. Jodi is standing on the right. They asked each other questions about their books and took questions from the audience. They went through the process of writing, editing and publishing. I think it's always interesting to hear the creative process that goes into writing a book. I haven't read either book but l am tempted by the mystery book. Jodi Gibson, in her own words, writes female feel goo

Robert Galbraith

I don't think that l'm letting a secret out when l tell you that Robert Galbraith is the pseudonym for J.k Rowling. These are crime novels, very good crime novels. Having never read the Harry Potter novels l had no idea what her writing style would be like. She's a very good writer. The crimes themselves are well thought out. The structure of each novel flows and the use of language is another stand out. The characters are believable and this is another bonus as we. the readers, are shown their development as the books progress. I have read all five and will definitely be reading number 6. Robert Galbraith 5 out of 5.

Catch me if you can

The doors opened and in they came, and kept on coming. A full house, happy and cheerful crowd. Welcome to a PLOS show. This musical, l am told, is based on a film which was based on a book. I had not read the book or seen the film so it was all new to me. The story is based in the 1960's and l think the set was designed to look like a 60's variety show. The orchestra was on 2 levels and it's a real treat to have a live orchestra playing. What a triumph for PLOS. The constant high standard of their shows means l will see everything they stage. A real stand out is the singing. Everyone sang so well and this happens with every show. There was a lot of dancing and costume changes. Everyone played their part well with all of them having American accents. The best performance was by Aidan Niarros as Carl Hanratty. He is a Primary School Teacher by day, but what a performance. Jordan Poyser as Frank Abagnale Jr was very good too as was Peter Noble Frank Snr. Emillie Toby as Bren

Emily Cat 176

Search This Blog