Jacob Collins Portrait Wins Archibald Packing Room Prize
A portrait of actor Jacob Collins, best known for his role in Doctor Who and True History of the Kelly Gang, has taken out the prestigious Packing Room Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW. The winning perform, titled Tragical Historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is an oil painting by Melbourne-based, self-taught artist Sean Layh.
A Hamlet Reimagined
Layh described winning the $3,000 prize as “one of the great honours of my professional life”. The painting depicts Collins in his 2024 role as Hamlet for the Melbourne Shakespeare Company. Senior installation officer William Newell, speaking on behalf of the Art Gallery of NSW staff who select the Packing Room Prize winner, noted the painting’s immediate impact. “Sean’s entry was an instant standout for the packing room crew. It’s a dark, complex and beautiful double portrait…the work feels alive, as if the exchange between artist, character and actor continues to unfold.”
The Packing Room Prize: A Unique Perspective
The Packing Room Prize is unique in that it is awarded by the staff who handle the artworks as they arrive for the Archibald exhibition – those who literally ‘pack’ and unpack the entries. This offers a different perspective than the judging panel for the main Archibald Prize, which carries a $100,000 award and will be announced on May 8th.
A Strong Field of Finalists
This year’s Archibald Prize boasts 59 finalists, selected from over 1,000 entries. Alongside the portrait of Collins, notable finalists include portraits of Bondi shooting hero Ahmed al-Ahmed, journalists Virginia Trioli and Jan Fran, surfer Layne Beachley, and artist Khaled Sabsabi. Artists Kaylene Whiskey, Richard Lewer, Vincent Namatjira, Tsering Hannaford and Michael Zavros are too represented in the final selection.
Beyond the Archibald: Wynne and Sulman Prizes
The Art Gallery of NSW will also announce the winners of the $50,000 Wynne Prize for landscape painting and the $40,000 Sulman Prize for subject, genre, or mural painting on May 8th. All finalists for all three prizes will be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW from May 9th.
The Enduring Appeal of Portraiture
The Archibald Prize, and its associated awards, consistently draw significant public interest, highlighting the enduring appeal of portraiture. The ability of artists to capture not just a likeness, but also a sense of personality and story, continues to resonate with audiences. The selection of an actor portraying a famous literary character, as seen with Layh’s winning portrait, speaks to the layered narratives that can be explored within the genre.
FAQ
- What is the Packing Room Prize? It’s an award given by the Art Gallery of NSW staff who unpack and hang the Archibald Prize exhibition.
- When will the Archibald Prize winner be announced? The main Archibald Prize winner will be announced on May 8th.
- Where can I see the Archibald Prize finalists’ work? The exhibition will be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW from May 9th.
- What is the value of the main Archibald Prize? The main Archibald Prize is worth $100,000.
Pro Tip: Visiting the Art Gallery of NSW website (https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/) will provide details on ticket prices and exhibition times.
What are your thoughts on this year’s Archibald Prize finalists? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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