Story: Jo Harrison
Four years of waiting have finally come to an end, with the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) hosting the Archibald Prize 2012 Tour, with the opening night this Friday, March 15.
In a coup for NERAM and the New England region, the hosting rights for Australia’s pre-eminent art prize is an indication of the museum’s standing in the Australian artistic world. Overcoming the well publicised financial woes, NERAM is looking to establish itself as one of the finest regional museums and the envy of many.
NERAM Director Caroline Downer, along with the NERAM board, is steadying the ship, with 2013 already shaping up as a memorable year.
“This is the very first time that Armidale has managed to secure the Archibald, which is very exciting for us,” said Caroline Downer.
“We of course hope that we will get it again. This is our first time and it’s our thirtieth year, so it kind of ties in quite nicely with our celebrations.
“There are three or four regional venues for this every year and you have to get your bid in quite early, so we asked for this about four years ago.”
The Archibald Prize explores the changing face of Australia through portraiture. Since 1919, the Archibald Prize has been awarded to the best portrait painting, preferably of a man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, as specified by J F Archibald.
In summing up what people can expect from the exhibition, Caroline Downer expressed her excitement about seeing the stories behind the people.
“People come to see the Archibald to see the stories behind who they are; it is not just about the artist but about the subject, that is the fascinating part; why they have been chosen,” said Caroline.
“I have always seen the images on computer and in publications but it is very different to seeing them hung. That is what I am looking forward to, seeing the whole show together and seeing how it looks in our wonderful space.”
The 91st Archibald Prize showcases the winner, Tim Storrier, and his self-portrait, The Histrionic Wayfarer (after Bosch), depicting an invisible man without a face.
The artwork was inspired by The Wayfarer, a painting by 16th-century painter Hieronymus Bosch and is described by Storrier as “a carapace of burden … clothed in the tools to sustain the intrigue of a metaphysical survey”. The painting represents the idea of a dilemma for a figure “making a decision between right and wrong”, says Storrier.
The Archibald Prize 2012 Tour will also include the People’s Choice recipient, After Jack by Jenny Sages. Jenny Sages was a finalist in the Archibald Prize 2012, with a portrait she painted of her beloved husband Jack in the last year of his life.
Archibald Packing Room Prize winner Raelene Sharp’s A Strength of Character features one of Australia’s favourite actors, John Wood. “I approached him because of his outstanding career, and the fact that he lives locally and is very much a part of the Yarra Valley community,” said Sharp.
Visitors are also encouraged to participate in NERAM’s own People’s Choice Award, by voting for their favourite Archibald 2012 artwork. The exhibition entry fee is $10 pp, $5 members/concession. Under 12 free.
The Archibald Prize 2012 Tour
will open at NERAM on Friday, March 15 at 6pm. All are welcome!
NERAM Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday (10am – 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am – 4pm)
