Artist Andrea Huelin has won the Art Gallery of NSW’s Packing Room Prize with a portrait of comedian Cal Wilson.
The painting, titled Clown Jewels, shows the Melbourne comedian in an armchair with her trademark dyed pink hair, and wearing a multicoloured crown of baubles and small dolls.
The $3000 award is open to all entries in the prestigious Archibald portrait prize, and is chosen by the gallery staff who receive, unpack and hang the entries.
The packing room prize was traditionally chosen by the head packer. But following Brett Cuthbertson’s retirement in 2022, this year it was chosen for the first time by a committee of three packing room staffers – Timothy Dale, Monica Rudhar and Alexis Wildman. Each had an equal say in the selection.
Ms Wildman said the work jumped out at the packers as soon as it arrived at the gallery.
“The bright colours really popped, and we immediately recognised Cal as a familiar face,” she said.
“This is a great, joyful portrait of someone who has brought so much laughter to Australia.”
Wilson is yet to comment publicly on the award, although she did post a video of Thursday’s announcement to her Instagram. It drew wild approval from her friends and followers.
“So happy about this! Adore that portrait so much!” said comedian and writer Benjamin Law.
TV host Julia Zemiro said it was “so wonderful”, while celebrity cook and author Poh Ling Yeow was also a fan.
“This is just the best,” she wrote.
“But can u post a full proper pic of the painting please!”
Based in Cairns, Huelin is one of 57 Archibald finalists this year.
Now in its 32nd year, the Packing Room Prize was first awarded in 1991.
The Archibald Prize winner will be announced on May 5. See all of this year’s entrants here.
– with AAP
