2011 Archibald Prize

2011 Archibald prize-winner Ben Quilty’s portrait of Margaret Olley was one of many magnificent pieces in this year’s exhibition.

When Quilty was announced the winner, he was beaming with pride as he told the packed room at the Art Gallery of NSW that he was “very happy” with the success of his work.

Quilty’s work shined amongst his competitors and it is not surprising that he has been a finalist in the portraiture prize five times before.

Giles Alexander, a finalist in 2010 and this year’s Archibald said: “It’s definitely Ben Quilty’s time for success”.

Sam Leach, the winner of the 2010 Archibald was a subject in this year’s exhibition.

Alexander’s piece was one of many other captivating pieces in the exhibition with his depiction of Sam Leach floating in space.

When asked about the intentions of his piece, Giles said: “I wanted to explore the relationship between history and science through art, a theme that both Sam and I like to explore. I also wanted to convey lighter themes than those in last year’s Archibald.”

When asked what it was like to be on the other side of the canvas Leach said: “When you are painting, you concentrate the gaze and the mind on the subject of the work. It makes you feel very vulnerable to be subjected to that sort of scrutiny. I think that is a healthy reminder for portrait painters of the responsibility they have for their sitters. Giles is a good friend of mine so I knew I was in safe hands.”

The entire exhibition has generated a positive response because it has approached playful themes as opposed to the dramatic intensity of last year’s exhibition.

Winner of the Archibald 2011 packing room prize Vincent Fantauzzo painted an animated image of celebrity chef Matt Moran.

When asked about the intentions behind his work Fantauzzo said: “I wanted to capture a lighter side of matt. A little cheeky.”

This cheekiness is also evident in other portraits such as the exuberant image of Ray Hughs happily enjoying an ice cream sundae.

When asked about his opinion of the lighter subject matter of this year’s portraits, Fantauzzo agreed that the liveliness of this year’s selection appeals to a wider audience.

“This year the portraits look amazing. There is a very diverse group of artist and subjects. Some of the artist in there are my all time favourites and artist I truly admire. Del Kathryn Barton, Ben Quilty, and Adam Cullen just to name a few,” Fantauzzo said.

When asked about the audience’s response to the 2011 Archibald exhibition Sheona White head of public programs at Art Gallery of NSW said:

“As the Archibald audience, we are separated from the famous sitter by only one degree. You feel like you are participating in the conversation between artist and sitter. Interestingly, this also makes the Archibald portraits something of an artistic collaboration”.

By Holly De Boer