fbpx
Saturday, March 30, 2024

Centenarian portrait wins Archibald in historic year for art prize

A portrait of centenarian and former Archibald Prize winner, Guy Warren, has won this year’s Archibald Prize.

Guy Warren AM turned 100 in April – marking a century for the Melburnian, as the famous Australian art prize also marked its centenary year.

“Guy Warren AM turned 100 in April – he was born the same year the Archibald Prize was first awarded in 1921. This is not why I painted Guy, but the coincidence is nicely timed,” says the artist behind the winning portrait, Peter Wegner.

Mr Warren won the 1985 Archibald Prize with a portrait of artist Bert Flugelman, which is included in the Archie 100 exhibition. This is the seventh time he has been an Archibald subject, including a self-portrait in 1996.

“I have been working on a series of drawings of people who have turned 100 and this was initially the reason l approached Guy,” said Mr Wegner.

Guy Warren in his art studio.

“I have been aware of his work for many years, especially the portrait that won the 1985 Archibald.

“I chose to paint him because he is one of the most remarkable centenarians l have ever met. He still finds purpose in working in his studio daily, one of the traits he attributes to his longevity.

“When he placed his jumper over his shoulder, the pose was decided. This portrait honours Guy Warren in the 101st year of his productive and meaningful life.”

Latest Articles