Steve Dow from Art Guide walks us through the backstories of three incredible artworks that were selected for the 2020 Archibald Prize. Featured is Craig Ruddy with his portrait of Bruce Pascoe ‘Dark Emu’, Angus McDonald with sitter, Behrouz Boochani, and Wendy Sharps work of Magda Szubanski.
Title: Unveiling the Stories Behind Three Archibald Prize Portraits
Full article: https://artguide.com.au/the-stories-behind-three-archibald-prize-portraits/
Summary:
The prestigious Archibald Prize for portraiture annually draws hundreds of talented artists from across Australia, each seeking to capture the essence of their chosen subjects. Among the 55 finalists for the 2020 prize, three artists—Craig Ruddy, Angus McDonald, and Wendy Sharpe—offer unique insights into their creative process and the inspirations behind their captivating portraits.
Craig Ruddy's portrayal of Bruce Pascoe, set against the backdrop of Victoria's East Gippsland, serves as a poignant reflection of resilience and vulnerability. Inspired by Pascoe's acclaimed work, "Dark Emu," Ruddy's portrait emerges as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous Australians.
Angus McDonald's depiction of Behrouz Boochani, the Kurdish-Iranian journalist detained at Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, offers a compelling exploration of strength and dignity amidst adversity. Through a vibrant oil portrait, McDonald captures Boochani's multifaceted persona, from lyrical poet to down-to-earth pragmatist.
Wendy Sharpe's portrayal of Magda Szubanski, adorned in the iconic guise of her comedic character Sharon Strzelecki, delves into the complexities of performance and identity. Against the backdrop of a burning city, Szubanski's expression hints at underlying turmoil, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between reality and fiction.
As the 2020 Archibald Prize exhibition approaches, anticipation mounts for the unveiling of the winners, set to be announced on September 25th. Through these evocative portraits, Ruddy, McDonald, and Sharpe invite audiences to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of human experience, sparking conversations that resonate long after the exhibition's close.
Join us in celebrating the power of portraiture to illuminate the human condition and capture the essence of our shared humanity.
Archibald Prize Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) Exhibition Dates: September 26th, 2020 – January 10th, 2021
To read the full article: https://artguide.com.au/the-stories-behind-three-archibald-prize-portraits/