Archibool People Choice Award Winners Announcement
With thousands of votes cast, The Archibool Prize (people’s choice award) winner has been chosen, finishing this year’s The Warrnibald Prize 2020 exhibition at the Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG). First place was awarded to Alexander Annett for his portrait of Warrnambool artist Glenn Morgan.
The Warrnibald 2020 is a non-acquisitive open-entry portraiture exhibition and art prize which opened in July. All entries were eligible in the Warrnibald Prize (selected by judges Joshua White, Artistic Director Hamilton Gallery; Carmel Wallace, independent Artist; and Simon Lawrie, Curator McClelland Sculpture Park and gallery, with a winner announced in July) and the Archibool; The Peoples’ Choice Award. Portrait subjects are those who are currently or have previously, made significant contributions in South West Victoria or have represented our region in Australia or overseas.
With over 2000 votes lodged for the Archibool, the event continued to make a positive impact on the South West community despite the challenges presented by Covid-19.
In his sitter–description, Alexander describes Glenn.
“A Warrnambool based artist and educator whose work is held in the collections of The National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; Museum of Contemporary Art, Brisbane; Museum of Victoria and Maritime Museum, Victoria; as well as in several regional galleries. A local born artist with strong ties to Warrnambool, very well respected in the local art community.”
Second Place was awarded to Rachael Maniapoto for her work entitled ‘Emerging Uncle’ a portrait of Mark Weston, proud Gunditjmara man and local tattooist.
In her sitter–description, Rachael describes Mark’s influence.
“Since Mark’s adolescence he has shown initiative and leadership within the local community. The first to graduate from Warrnambool Clontarf Academy achieving skills necessary to captain the Clontarf Football team where they won the Club Championship Leadership award – each year Mark presents the award to accomplished recipients.
In 2011 Mark’s activism for mental health began when he participated in the Blank Page Summit in Broome that addressed mental illness and youth suicides in Indigenous communities. Mark continues to use his platform to raise funds and awareness for Headspace, CFA Victoria and Beyond Blue.”
Director of the Warrnambool Art Gallery Vanessa Gerrans reflected on this year’s event.
“With thousands of votes cast, The Archibool Prize has been a tremendous success. The artistic community in the south west is bold, committed and supportive of one another. Pivoting the exhibition online this year has enabled artists to receive greater recognition for their work, sitters to be highly praised for their contributions to the region, and the community to cast their votes both in the gallery and online. Congratulations to Alexander Annett and Rachael Maniapoto!”
Following on, Gerrans remarked, “Alexander’s portrait was a strong contender for the judge’s selection. So, for the community to also recognise the strength of this work by voting in support is a great reflection of how fantastic this painting is.”
The Warrnibald Prize competition helps raise funds to support are-able Work’s Social Enterprise ArtLink Program: an initiative that assists people with a range of abilities identify and achieve their creative goals; and promote the inclusivity of everyone in community life. This year over $2500 was raised for the program.
“are-able is thrilled to partner with the WAG again to deliver this year’s Warrnibald & Archibool events. We feel it is important for local artists to have the opportunity to participate in this competition as well as the community to see themselves and people the know reflected in the portraits. It is wonderful celebration of the South West community. Thank you to everyone who entered and voted and a heartfelt congratulations to Alexander Annett and Rachael Maniapoto!” said are-able CEO Tom Scarborough.