Artist Julia Gutman Wins Archibald Prize For Her Portrait Of Montaigne
Image: Montaigne
Sydney-based artist Julia Gutman has been announced as the winner of the Archibald Prize 2023 for her portrait of singer-songwriter Montaigne.
Having become one of the youngest winners of the prize, Gutman鈥檚 winning prize titled Head in the sky, feet on the ground, was created using found textiles, oils, and embroidery on canvas.
Winning the award and the $100,000 prize marks Gutman as the 13th time the Archibald Prize has been awarded to a woman and the 11th to win since it began back in 1921.
“I’m So Elated
Gutman was beyond ecstatic when she was informed that she had won the prize by the Art Gallery of New South Wales director, Michael Brand.
鈥淚鈥檓 so elated and overwhelmed to have won. Shocked, dumbfounded, but very happy. It鈥檚 honestly completely surreal. I鈥檓 so grateful to be working at a time when young female voices are heard,鈥� she said.
鈥淪o much of my practice is devoted to revisiting, critiquing and contending with the histories housed in institutions. It鈥檚 so affirming for that conversation to be recognised in such a public way.鈥�
Having been friends with Montaigne for a 鈥渇ew years,鈥� Gutman said that both of them liked to create 鈥渙ur own forms and approaches rather than strictly adhering to any one tradition.鈥�
鈥淢ontaigne鈥檚 work defies genres, while her mercurial soprano has become an indelible part of the fabric of Australian music,鈥� she said.
The portrait of Montaigne signifies a break from the Archibald tradition, as past-winning portraits often depicted older artists, politicians, and public figures.
The Singer Behind The Portrait
For those who follow Eurovision religiously will recognise Montaigne as Australia鈥檚 representative in 2021 with her song, Technicolour. The singer-songwriter was slated to participate in the 2020 song contest with her song, Don鈥檛 Break Me before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Montaigne was surprised by Gutman鈥檚 win.
鈥淣ot because I don鈥檛 believe in Julia鈥檚 incredible talent and warm heart, but because you just never think this stuff is going to happen to you,鈥� the singer said.
鈥淭hank you so much to Julia for seeing me as a worthy sitter for her beautiful vision.鈥�
