Sydney artist Tony Costa has won the 98th Archibald Prize with a portrait of artist Lindy Lee.
Costa was awarded $100,000 prize.
I approach each painting with an empty head, beginning every portrait with charcoal drawings as I collect sensations and information,” Costa told media.
“The challenge for me is to trap the energy of my sitter — the emotional feeling over and above the physical reality.
“In my portrait of Lindy, I have kept the colour minimal to avoid any visual noise. Ultimately the invention and the unity of the work is what matters most.”
he Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes is an annual exhibition eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike.
The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is Australia’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious. Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists.
The Wynne Prize is awarded to the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize is given to the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media.
Each year, the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW judge the Archibald and Wynne, and invite an artist to judge the Sulman.
Visit the exhibition to vote for your favourite portrait in the ANZ People’s Choice award before voting closes on 11 August and see the work of budding artists aged 5–18 on display in the Young Archies.
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