The countdown is on as the Glasshouse puts the final touches on the installation of the 2017 Archibald Prize touring exhibition which will open on August 24.
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Prestigious and at times controversial, the Archibald is Australia’s foremost portraiture prize and over the years it has become a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists.
The official opening will be at the Glasshouse tonight (August 24) and the exhibition will open to the public from Saturday, August 25 until October 7.
The Glasshouse’s gallery curator Bridget Purtill said she was very excited about being able to bring the exhibition back to Port Macquarie.
“The beauty of something like the Archibald Prize coming to Port Macquarie is walking through the exhibition everyone will find something to love,” Ms Purtill said.
“The 2017 collection I think is really pushing the boundaries of what is portraiture and the exhibition really explores some of the more contemporary interpretations.
“Of course that is not to say there aren’t the tradition portraits of people sitting in chairs but rather a really eclectic and unique collection of works.”
First awarded in 1921, it was judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW and awarded to the best portrait painting.
The Archibald Prize awards $100,000 prize money to the winning artist.
“As well as the exhibition itself there will be a number of workshops and we will have over 300 school students through the gallery during the exhibition,” she said.
“In this exhibition there is also the first collaborative entry done by a school titled Goodbye, Sir! as a farewell to their school principal as well as a self portrait done by Tjungkara Ken titled Kungkarangkalpa tjukupa (Seven Sister dreaming) which is my favourite entry.
“We will also be hosting an artist talk with Jonathon Dalton and he will take a group around the gallery and talk about his painting and about his practice as an artist.”
To see the 2017 Archibald Prize touring exhibition entry is $7.50 for the public and $5 for members of the Glasshouse.
“We are also having a people’s choice award so come along, have a look at the exhibition and by voting you go into the draw to win $500 thanks to ANZ.”
