Prize catch for Geelong
THOUSANDS MORE FLOCK TO ARCHIBALD
THE Archibald Prize exhibition at the Geelong Gallery has resulted in a massive increase in visitors.
This year, 76,651 people visited the gallery after the exhibition opened on September 22, compared with 58,000 in 2017 — a difference of more than 18,650.
And Anne Middleton’s striking portrait of Geelongraised actor Guy Pearce proved very popular among visitors, with Geelong Gallery yesterday announcing the painting won the ANZ People’s Choice award.
The portrait commanded 14 per cent of the total vote, with 19,600 valid votes cast.
Middleton said the portrait “was inspired by early photographic portraits of Indigenous people using tintype photography, the otherworldly translucency of skin it imparts and the compelling directness of an unselfconscious gaze”.
Kathrin Longhurst’s selfportrait came second with 11 per cent of the vote.
“The earlier timing of the Archibald Prize 2018 to include the September school holidays, the AFL Grand Final holiday and White Night, in addition to an extra two weeks of display, has seen the crowds swell to these exceptional numbers,” Geelong Gallery director and CEO Jason Smith said.
“We were also pleased to see 2151 students (preschool to tertiary) visit the exhibition as part of our focused schools program, and increased engagement with the aged care and disability sector through our Who Are You program supported by Gandel Philanthropy.”
The exhibition wrapped up at the gallery on Sunday.
It will not return to Geelong in 2019, instead showing in another regional location in Victoria.
“In terms of the Archibald Prize returning to Geelong, we can’t quite say when, however we’ll certainly be making a strong case to ensure it returns,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said the gallery continued “to attract major touring exhibitions to the region”.
“In March 2019, we host the National Gallery of Australia’s touring exhibition, Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series,” he said.
“In 2020 we have something up our sleeves from another major interstate institution and into the future we have our eyes not only set on national and state touring exhibitions but on content from international galleries and museums.
“Furthermore, focus on curation of our own major exhibitions continues to grow.”
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said that as a major partner of the event, the City of Greater Geelong was delighted with the response to this year’s prize.
“The Archibald Prize has again proven to be a huge success, with many people who wouldn’t normally visit the gallery coming along,” he said. “Congratulations to the gallery and all staff for providing a wonderful experience.
“Given the increased attendances in 2018, we look forward to seeing the economic impact data in the coming weeks.”
The Archibald Prize exhibition now travels to Tamworth as part of its regional NSW tour.
Elizabeth Gower’s exhibition, Cuttings, continues at the gallery until November 25, and the permanent exhibition will be returned to display over the coming weeks.
The exhibition There is no there, by Gabriella Mangano and Silvana Mangano opens on December 8.