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.