Archibald Prize 1999
Entries: 525 (32 selected + Packing Room Prize winner)
Sponsor: Colonial
Exhibition dates: 20 March to 9 May 1999
Only selected works were exhibited; each artist could submit up to two works
The selection of Euan Macleod’s self-portrait as the Archibald winner was seen as an attempt to reposition the award as more contemporary. The Daily Telegraph described it as ‘arguably the most abstract painting ever to win the prize’.
Although Deny Christian’s portrait of actor Garry McDonald was awarded the Packing Room Prize, it was not selected by the Gallery trustees and was displayed at the Gallery outside the Archibald exhibition.
