Best of iconic portraiture comes to Adelaide
Adelaide will welcome some of the nation’s most iconic art works next year when it hosts an exhibition celebrating the last 100 years of Archibald prize winning portraits.
Premier Steven Marshall announced today that the Art Gallery of South Australia will host the national touring exhibition exploring the 100-year history of the Archibald Prize.
In addition and in an Australian first – Moving Portraits by Robert Wilson – has also been locked in for winter 2022. Created by the renowned New York theatre director, it features a series of captivating video portraits of famous people such as Lada Gaga, Johnny Depp and Isabella Rossellini.
“This is a unique doubleheader –exclusive to South Australia –and one that is going to bring people into our state next winter,” Mr Marshall said.
The Archie 100 presents a diverse selection of Archibald portraits, offering a unique insight into Australia’s most celebrated portraiture prize.
“These exhibitions, secured through the Events Advisory Group and the South Australian Tourism Commission, is a major win for our state, and will showcase some of the greatest works of art we’ve seen over the past century,” Premier Marshall said.
“What better way to enjoy winter in Adelaide than to experience these two exhibitions, which we know will create visitation that drives jobs in South Australia.”
AGSA Director, Rhana Devenport ONZM expects that the two exhibitions experienced face-to-face will have strong appeal to broad audiences.
“The Archibald Prize needs little introduction to Australian audiences. This 100-year survey features many South Australian artists including our very own Vincent Namatjira, following his win of The Ramsay Art Prize in 2019,” Ms Devenport said.
“AGSA will also present the Australian premiere of the extraordinary video portraits by Robert Wilson whose exquisitely produced works present an arresting stage on which to reflect on celebrity culture and portraiture within the history of art in unexpected new ways.”
Key dates:
Exhibition season: Saturday 9 July – Monday 3 October (Labour Day) 2022
Media launch and VIP opening dates: Friday 8 July 2022.
*Image: John Brack 'Barry Humphries in the character of Mrs Everage' 1969 oil on canvas, 94.5 x 128.2 cm Art Gallery of New South Wales Purchased with funds provided by the Contemporary Art Purchase Grant from the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council 1975 © Helen Brack