Opening at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery from Saturday 19 March for six weeks until 1 May is the Archibald Prize 2021 – Regional Tour is one of Australia’s most prestigious and controversial art awards. The Archibald Prize is also one of the oldest art prizes in Australia (celebrating 100 years in 2021) and most well known as a veritable who’s who of Australian contemporary culture – from politicians to fashion designers, celebrities to sporting heroes to artists.
Anticipated by artists and audiences alike the Archibald Prize is a non-acquisitive competition and aims to foster portraiture, support artists and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. The annual Archibald Prize is awarded by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW to the best portrait painting. Many believe the Archibald Prize has done more than any other single event to stimulate and sustain public interest in the art of portrait painting in Australia.
The winner of the Archibald Prize 2021 is Melbourne artist Peter Wegner for his portrait of fellow artist and previous Archibald winner Guy Warren. Kathrin Longhurst was the winner of the Packing Room Prize (now in its 30th year) for her portrait of Australian singer Kate Ceberano. And two-time Archibald Prize finalist Julia Ciccarone was awarded the 2021 ANZ People’s Choice award for her self-portrait The sea within, painted at home during the 2020 Melbourne lockdown in response to ‘radical changes affecting culture and nature.
The exhibition will be launched on Friday 18 March 2021 commencing at 6 pm at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery 77 Darling Street Cowra. Speakers include a welcome by Cr Bill West, Mayor Cowra Shire Council; on behalf of ANZ Principal Sponsor Mr Damian Lance (Relationship Banker); and on behalf of the AGNSW Miranda Carroll Director of Public Engagement. A special guest to open the exhibition is artist Peter Wegner, winner of the Archibald Prize 2021.
Entry is $20 ($15 Friends of the Gallery) including a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Eventbrite ticketed event please book online at www.cowraartgallery.com/Archibald A special artist talk by Peter Wegner, winner of the Archibald Prize 2021 will take place at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery on Saturday 19 March 2022 from 1 pm. All welcome, admission is free. The exhibition continues to 1 May 2022.
The Archibald Prize 2021 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition in association with principal sponsor ANZ.
The Cowra Regional Art Gallery is located at 77 Darling Street, Cowra, NSW, 2794. Open Hours Tuesday to Saturday10am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm (during the Archibald Prize 2021 exhibition). Admission is free (donations welcome).