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Selfie or Sargent? Author navigates portraiture's place in the digital age as Archibald Prize entry shortlisted

From ABC Australia · (7m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • An Australian artist's portrait of a friend has been shortlisted for the prestigious Archibald Prize.
  • The Archibald Prize, a major event in Australian visual arts, requires works to be painted from life and focus on distinguished figures.
  • The article explores the modern relevance of painted portraits in the age of selfies and the complex relationship between artist and subject.

The Archibald Prize is truly the Mardi Gras of Australian visual art, a rare moment when the nation collectively turns its attention to painting. It's remarkable that this focus is on the arcane tradition of portraiture, a practice with a rich history dating back to 1921 when JF Archibald founded the prize. The trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales continue to uphold the tradition of awarding the best portrait of a "distinguished figure from art, letters, science or politics."

Every time I paint a portrait, I lose a friend.

— John Singer SargentQuoted by the author to reflect on the potential strain on friendships during the portrait painting process.

As an artist myself, and a friend of contemporary artist Stieg Persson, I found myself in the unusual position of being the subject of a portrait entered into this year's competition. It's a peculiar experience, standing for hours, feeling somewhat foolish, as the artist works from life. This process, while demanding, is central to the Archibald's rules and its enduring appeal. It forces an intimacy and a dialogue between artist and subject that is increasingly rare in our digital age.

The Archibald Prize is the Mardi Gras of Australian visual art.

— AuthorUsed to emphasize the cultural significance and celebratory nature of the prize in Australia.

We often ponder the role of the painted portrait when the selfie reigns supreme. What is the point of a painted likeness when we can capture our image instantly? Yet, the Archibald Prize reminds us that there is a depth and a psychological realism that a quick photograph cannot replicate. The relationship between the painter and the painted, a dynamic of favour and flattery, has produced immortal works throughout history, from the Medicis to the Meyers. Our own fascination with artists like John Singer Sargent, who balanced beauty and flattery with keen psychological insight, underscores this enduring allure.

the best portrait of a "distinguished figure from art, letters, science or politics".

— JF Archibald (founder)Explaining the criteria for a successful Archibald Prize entry.

This year, my portrait by Stieg Persson has been shortlisted, a testament to the enduring power of this tradition. It's a validation not just for the artist, but for the very idea that portrait painting still holds a significant place in our cultural landscape. It’s a conversation about who we deem worthy of immortalization and how we choose to see ourselves and each other.

painted "from life"

— Archibald Prize rulesHighlighting the requirement for artists to paint their subjects in person, a process the author describes as potentially awkward.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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