Sensation, controversy: premier portrait to be unveiled
This is Archibald. So everyone has an opinion.
Ahead of the winner being announced on Friday, the 59 finalists were put on public display at the Art Gallery of NSW with a range of critics in attendance.
Christopher Allen of The Australian wrote: “It is no surprise that the Archibald Prize is once again a chaotic collection of disparate paintings that vary tremendously in style and quality.”
He argued that the annual $100,000 contest caused a sensation and controversy, featuring so many works from photographs that it would attract a mass audience.
Critic John McDonald believes the award places too much emphasis on inclusivity rather than quality, as Archibald is seen as light entertainment.
“The result is extremely mediocre; more of a sideshow than an art show,” he wrote.
And that’s just their opinion of the finalists; The winner will ultimately be chosen from more than 1,000 entries competing for Australia’s premier portrait award.
The portrait competition has been running for more than a century and, as is tradition, a long list of famous Australians have posed as subjects for the 2026 edition.
These include Governor-General Sam Mostyn and actors Marta Dusseldorp, Susie Porter and Sheridan Harbridge.
Also present are musician Mick Turner, surfer Layne Beachley, fashion designers Nicky and Simone Zimmermann and Alemais founder Lesleigh Jermanus.
Artist Sean Layh has already won the $3,000 Packing Room Award for his portrait of actor Jacob Collins as Hamlet.
Winners and finalists from all awards will be exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW until 16 August, before touring regional NSW and Victoria.
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