Art Gallery of NSW - Tim Minchin by Sam Leach.
Well done to Sam Leach, with his great portrait of a local skeptical-legend, Tim Minchin! The Archibald Prize is is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards.
“Sam Leach says he approached Minchin ‘primarily because I really like his style of comedy. The topics he deals with – social commentary, the appeal to reason over religion and that kind of thing – tie in with my work. But in a funny way I also see my career reflected in his. His career is much bigger than mine but we became successful in our fields almost simultaneously and our first and second children were also born about the same time.’
Leach met Minchin in London last year when he was exhibiting work in a group show at Bedfordbury Gallery, Covent Garden. They talked about a portrait and Minchin suggested Leach portray him crucified on a neon Perspex cross. ‘But I don’t know if that’s my style,’ says Leach.
They had a day together at Minchin’s London home where Leach did sketches then caught up again in Melbourne during Minchin’s current tour, Ready for This. ‘I wanted a full-length portrait because he does use his whole body when he performs. It’s him in his house so there are a few personal pointers, like the baby’s lamb skin.’”
Leach beat 34 finalists and a record number of entries for the $50,000 prize.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What a beautiful picture. And the Archibald’s always have a lot of coverage, so a great subject.
It’s lovely! I like the touch of the baby blanket, that’s kind of cute.
That’s a wonderful portrait. I like that he chose to capture his quizzical look.
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