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Archibald Wynne & Sulman Prizes 08

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

8 March - 18 May 2008
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road
Sydney

The Archibald Prize is the Holy Grail of the Australian art world, and spending time with the works of 40 finalists is a spiritual experience and one that I treasure annually. In its 87th year, this coveted prize is more than its $50,000 monetary reward. It is prestige and international recognition and a place alongside artistic gods such as Brett Whiteley, William Dobel and John Olsen.

Gazing at each painting is like looking into the window of a soul, both the subject's and the artist's, and in some cases they are one and the same. This year's winner, You are what is most beautiful about me, a self portrait with Kell and Arella, by Del Kathryn Barton, reflects this personal observation perfectly. As the artist herself said, "My children have taken my world by storm and very little compares to the devotion I feel for them both."

The same can be said for the 'runner-up' portrait, Heath, by Vincent Fantauzzo. It portrays a troubled individual, confused by the messages in his world.

The Archibald Prize would not exist without controversy, and this year, it is the self-portrait of Sam Leach dressed in a Nazi Uniform. Among faces like Akira and Sarah Blasko, it is crass and unworthy of attention. Beside beautiful impressionistic paintings by Zhansui Kordelya Chen and Jun Chen, it is a joke.

That aside, the trustees have chosen well this year. What is revealed walking through the exhibition is quality, diversity and creativity. It is what I call "sacred" and should be experienced by all. Click here  for more information.

Emma McGowan (10 March viewing)