Eyes on the prize

With rather less brouhaha than usual, the winner of the 2003 Archibald Prize has been chosen. Perhaps it's a reflection of the sombre times, but the event failed to draw the customary controversy that normally follows the announcement of the winner. That controversy has, oddly, been one of its true sustaining forces and its absence was a little odd, considering the judges' selection.

The main prize went to Tasmanian artist Jeffrey Dyer for his portrait of Tasmanian writer Richard Flanagan. The choice however had the potential to be the most controversial for several years. In the choice of Dyer's powerful but difficult picture, the judges eschewed the trend of the past few years towards naturalism in Australian portraiture's ultimate prize.

Dyer's rendering of Flanagan is a brooding, almost kinetic image of the subject. The angular lines and apparently hastily painted body contrast vividly with the detailed face, with its piercing eyes. The picture suggests a man who is full of energy and drive, but perhaps somewhat constrained in his desire to express himself. If you like, he's almost smouldering. Dyer takes the theme further by using a colour palette reminiscent of the aftermath of a bushfire. The portrait contrasts markedly with last year's winner, Cherry Hood's serene picture of Simon Tedeschi.

Special mention was also made of Jenny Sages' True Stories - Helen Garner. This picture continued the trend away from naturalism, with Sage's picture resembling more a drawing than a painting. Indeed, Sages evokes the likes of Egon Schiele in her picture.

The Packers' Prize, awarded by the crew who unpack and hang the pictures, went to Jan Williamson's crowd-pleasing (and very naturalistic) portrait of Rachel Ward. The packers have a proud tradition of never matching the judges' choice for the ultimate winner - indeed, one might argue that their choice, which is announced before the formal judging, will always have its chances cruelled in the main game. Still, it's a fine example of the old adage about knowing what you like.

Several other prizes are announced at the same time as the Archibald. The Wynne Prize (for landscape painting or for figure sculpture) went to Tim Kyle for his Seated Figure; with Special mention to George Tjungurrayi for Untitled. The Trustees' Watercolour Prize went to well-known painter Judy Cassab for Nocturne, Rainbow Valley; while the Sulman Prize (for subject painting, genre painting or mural project) was awarded to Eric Smith for Reflection.

A relatively new addition to the Archibald prize round is the Citigroup Private Bank Australian Photographic Portrait Prize. This year's recipient is Greg Weight for his extraordinary Railroad Blues: Jim Conway. Special mention went to Rose Farrell & George Parkin for their Self-portrait.

While the 2003 Archibald Prize may not have carried the same level of controversy as previous years, the event nonetheless proved that the award is still very much alive and kicking. The quality of the finalists was very high and presented a surprisingly diverse range of styles, approaches and subjects. The winners and finalists will be on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until May 25.

David Edwards

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