The 36 finalists for the 2005 Archibald Prize awarded to the best portrait painting are online. The prize is for a portrait of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics.
My impression is that it is all very conservative and safe:

Rick Amor, Shane Maloney, 2005
That is pretty much a replay of Jeffrey Smart's work of the 1950s.
The winner was far more innovative:

John Olsen, Self Portrait Janus Faced, 2005
Posted by Gary Sauer-Thompson at April 29, 2005 02:01 PM | TrackBack
the Amor is much much nicer than Smart's streetscapes. And it works as a portrait, too
Posted by: laura on April 29, 2005 11:42 PMLaura,
I agree with you.
i dont like it, actuall im discusted. really its pathetic.when i first seen this filthy picture i spewed on my kid and he screamed
i dont get it
my cat could have done better. ur all gay.
Posted by: shirly on May 8, 2005 06:55 PMJamie, Tansaw and Shirly,
me thinks that you all need to see good doctor to get some help.
what is with the pathetic comments above. honestly. Jamie, you need to get a life, ie: 'i spewed on my kid and he screamed.' from that comment you dont sound responsible enough for a kid. grow up
Posted by: Stacie on May 11, 2005 08:52 PMi think its really goood, everyones intitled to there own oppinion, but id really like to see jamie, tansaw and shirly should really try and express thier dislike for the painting in a respectable way ........... as they could not do it themselves, so obviously they ar jelous!!!!!! well thats my oppinion anyway!
Posted by: a girl on May 12, 2005 09:59 AMI think u guys need to take english classes.... LEARN TO TYPE... a-holes. u all smell bad and need to take a shower with body soap. Im in art class... we r s'posed to b doing stuff hehehe but u still smell :| really bad :|
luv rafu shimpo
p.s. the picture is..........good........little bit on the scary side.....but good.......may have nightmares.......but good..... what am i saying... i dont like it im just trying to b nice... IT SCARES ME!!! mwahahaha *poof*
i think this is a interesting painting to see john olsen expressing himself in such a way i find so interesting it is not just any normal self-portrait and that is what i like. Expressionism is such an important concept in art, and this is portrayed through Olsens artwork i love it.
Posted by: Rachel on May 16, 2005 06:31 PMI think they are interesting and even if they are not the best they would have been extrememly hard to do and im saying that because i can tell because they are really good. However they definitely could have added more effect and made it more real. I love them though, i absoloutley love them.!!!!!!
Posted by: chanelle on May 19, 2005 04:55 PMthe paintings are an interesting portrayal of ones own life with both realistic and unrealistic figures
Posted by: sarah lofa on May 23, 2005 09:35 PMi think it is disgusting and i am only 12 i liked the ballerina one and the gretel killeen i was amazed at how ugly she really is!
Posted by: hbh on June 23, 2005 07:05 PMArt is something to express your inner thoughts and feelings. If the immature people want to write, stupid comments find your-self better things to do. You weren't meant for the Art world practice if you can not appreciate other peoples work. I think the painting is great the use of an absurd topic really makes you look and think about it to depth. The color scheme is great and brings the painting all together the techniques that John Olsen has used are very creative. Well done on the win!!!!
Posted by: Casey on June 23, 2005 08:52 PMIts a case of thinking outside the square... just because you dont understand something, doesnt mean it isnt brilliant. Take a step back, appreciate the piece and know that it was created by a true artist with a true artists mind.
I like it.
Huh? what is the point of the picture there are much better ones like eric smiths and cherry hood who deserved to win again rather than that crap!
Posted by: Sharney Mulej on August 22, 2005 09:36 PM