Page 29 - Tropic Magazine Issue 28

TROPIC • COVER STORY

Archibald Prize 2020 Winner
1. Vincent Namatjira
Stand strong for who you are
Acrylic on linen, 152 x 198 cm
$100,000 prize
Packing Room Prize 2020 Winner
2. Meyne Wyatt
Meyne
Acrylic on canvas, 101.5 x 76 cm
$1,500 prize
People’s Choice 2020 Winner
3. Angus McDonald
Behrouz Boochani
Oil on canvas, 160 x 230 cm
$3,500 prize
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Gallery Director Andrea Churcher “It will be a huge tourist drawcard for Vincent Namatjira – great grandson
said the decision is a testament to our the city, highlighting Cairns as a major of Albert Namatjira – won the 2020
“growing national reputation and rich cultural destination in Archibald Prize for his work Stand Strong
artistic heritage.” North Queensland.” for Who You Are, featuring former AFL
“The Archibald Prize is one of the most Chronicling the changing face of our footballer and Swans great Adam Goodes.
popular and prestigious exhibitions in the country, the Archibald is a who’s who of The 37-year-old’s success followed Meyne
Australian art calendar,” Andrea said. Australian culture – from politicians to Wyatt’s self-portrait Packing Room Prize
“We are thrilled to have been selected as celebrities, sporting heroes to artists. win – judged by the gallery staff who
the exclusive Queensland venue and the Last year’s Prize saw a record 1,068 receive, unpack and hang the
only venue outside of NSW to host the entries and the first Indigenous winner Archibald entries.
Prize this year. in its 99-year iteration. The two works simultaneously marked
the first year an Indigenous artist was
awarded any Archibald prize.
“This is a really special moment for
me,” said Namatjira, appearing at the
ceremony via video link.
“What an honour it is to be the first
Indigenous winner of the Archibald prize.
“It only took 99 years. I’m so proud to be
the first but I also have to acknowledge all
the Indigenous finalists and Indigenous
sitters for this year and past years.”

Chronicling the changing
face of our country, the
Archibald is a who’s who of
Australian culture

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29 • tropicnow.com.au