Laura Jones has been selected as a finalist in the 2023 Archibald Portrait Prize with her work Claudia (the GOAT).
The Archibald Prize for portrait painting is the country’s favourite and most significant art award. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times.
Actor and producer Claudia Karvan has worked in the industry since she was a child. It’s been two decades since she was first seen in the Archibald, in 2003, in a portrait by Martine Emdur. “I painted Claudia’s portrait after seeing ‘The goat, or who is Sylvia?‘ at Sydney Theatre Company,” says three-time Archibald finalist Laura Jones. “Claudia sat for the portrait between a matinee and evening show, so she was still in costume and, in a sense, still in character. The theatre was empty and the lighting was low, with just the reflected light bouncing up from the stage floor. I took photos and drew her as we chatted away about life and love.”
“I have known Claudia for a few years now and relish her infectious energy and humour. At the end of the play, her character ends up covered in blood. Claudia looked at the portrait in progress and cheekily said, “More blood!””
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023 exhibition is open from Saturday 6 May at The Art Gallery of New South Wales.