Packing Room prize for 2004 announced
18 March 2004
Thursday 18 March, 2004
Evert Ploeg has been awarded the Packing Room Prize in conjunction with the 2004 Archibald Prize for his portrait of Jana Wendt.
Evert has been a regular entrant in the Archibald prize. His first entry (1997), Bananas in Pyjamas, caused a huge stir. Other subjects include Para Olympian Louise Sauvage, singer Ben Lee, fashion identity Peter Morrissey and actor Richard Roxburgh. In 1999 Evert won the People's Choice award in both Sydney and Melbourne with his portrait of actress Deborah Mailman.
The Packing Room Prize gives the Gallery staff who receive the entries and install the exhibition the chance to vote for their favourite Archibald portrait.
This is the Gallery's head storeman Steve Peters 20th Archibald Prize. He has seen it all and maintains that he can select a winner in 30 seconds. Steve controls 51% of the vote. Open to bribery and corruption, he says on both counts he is still waiting. This is the Prize the artists love and dread - never has the Packing Room Prize coincided with the judges decision.
This is the 13th Packing Room Prize and previous winners include Jan Williamson for her portrait of actress Rachel Ward in 2003 and, Deny Christian for Garry McDonald in 1999, Kerrie Lester for Self portrait as a bridesmaid in 1998, Bill Leak for Tex Perkins in 1997 and Paul Newton for John Laws in 1996. Evert receives $500.
Website: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
