Surprise greeted the announcement today of the 2006 Archibald Prize winner. All the so-called smart money was on other and better known choices. Congratulations Marcus Wills for a well deserved win.
His painting in which he presents the viewer with 29 separate portraits of sculptor Paul Juraszek, reaches back in time to the world of Netherlandish and Germanic painters of the extraordinary, in this case Marcus Gheerearts but it is hard not to be reminded of Bosch and Brueghel as well.
Some commenrtators have likened the work to 20th century surrealists as if it might derive from them, but it seems to me that the work is more of a reflection of having a common ancestor with the surrealists, than so much resulting from their work. The rediscovery of such artists as Arcimboldo provided a large part of the inspiration for the surrealists as they sought new ways to describe the dream world.
Marcus Wills must feel that he is in some kind of Surrealist dreamworld right now, we wish him well as he deals with it all.
Dr. Christopher Birch is Senior Counsel for our team. Dr. Birch is Senior Counsel at Sir Garfield Barwick Chambers. Sir Garfield Barwick was the high profile 'silk' in the famous 1943 Dobell Archibald Prize Challenge with Sir Frank Kitto opposing. That case was notable as a "mighty tussle between two brilliant lawyers" (Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG) The current case is also shaping into a remarkable tussle.
Malcolm Duncan was the first member of the legal team. It was Malcolm who came to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to examine the portraits in person at the beginning. According to Malcolm the best use for art is probably to cover blemishes on the wall. He has however a great sense of justice and his career is noted for his attention to social issues, and for helping the under dog. He originally came to the law after several years in the army which may explain his tactical and strategic qualities in the court room.
Fiona Sinclair-King would no doubt have been surprised to know, as she prepared for the Bar, that one day she would need to become expert in the ins and outs of the Archibald Prize. Since joining the team she has followed not just the thoughts of J. F. Archibald, but also the Ruddy portrait to a warehouse in Queensland, (where it had been placed in storage) so our experts could carefully examine the work for the case.
Patrick Moloney has a very keen interest in modern art. His office is adorned with a fine example of a McLean Edwards painting. As solicitor for the Supreme Court action he has laid a strong foundation for the case. his professionalism, integrity and tenacity is second to none, I am thankful he is on our side.
hi my name is Carol and i am doing an assinment on the archibald prize. I would like to know why Marcus Wills won and what was so good about his work. Please reply to my email carol_rules94@hotmail.com
Please reply asap for it is due on the following monday.
Posted by: Carol | April 07, 2006 at 04:40 PM
id just like to ask what did the judges think about this win and what was bad about it, please mail me back it due tommorow
Posted by: erin | June 01, 2006 at 07:36 PM
id just like to ask what did the judges think about this win and what was bad about it, please mail me back it due tommorow
Posted by: erin | June 01, 2006 at 07:36 PM