2020 archibald finalist announced
A personal message from Craig following the announcement of the Archibald winner for 2020…
Congratulations to all the winners of Archibald Prize 2020. I am so honoured and grateful to be selected as a finalist, and be a part of this historic year for the Archibald. It’s personally fulfilling to see how things have come full circle from the time I painted David Gulpilil in 'Two Worlds'. It’s beautiful that Archibald 2020 embraces a more whole and colourful Australia with the highest representation of Indigenous talent and subjects amongst the finalists this year, and the Archibald Prize, Packer’s Prize, and Wynne Prize all won by Indigenous artists. It gives me hope that Australia’s now open to a new narrative and to seeing the whole picture, not just what we’ve been accustomed to see. For me this is a win in itself!
It has been my absolute honour to celebrate Bruce Pascoe and the contribution he’s made to all Australian people, Indigenous and non indigenous. He’s a beautiful, gentle man who’s courageous in facing this country's troubled past in an attempt to bring a positive future of acceptance and unity. He’s shown me that humility, sensitivity, openness and acceptance is where true strength lies.
I want to keep spreading Bruce’s message of a harmonious way forward, and the message of all our First People that we need to take better care of our beautiful home, Australia. Our modern concept of ‘progress’ has separated us from nature and created a false duality. Duality breeds conflict while diversity breeds life. The sensible path forward is to return, as one, to nature. Taking care of our land will save our country, our planet, and it will save us.
We can easily foster abundance - I have seen how the love you put into the land gives back tenfold. We need to nurture our gardens, inside and out. Things can be turned around very quickly and easily, and I’m excited to see and live the possibilities of transformation.
Winner of the Archibald Prize 2020: Vincent Namatjira - ‘Stand strong for who you are"
My portrait ‘Dark Emu’ is also my acknowledgement to the elders in our community. Bruce is a good solid man at his peak and it’s fantastic to celebrate him at this point in his life. Especially now with COVID-19 and its impact on older people, we need to return to valuing our elders. It’s a beautiful tradition to keep us all grounded, let’s observe ageing as something natural and beautiful, as it helps us to keep connected as a human family.
I will continue to use my place as an artist to be an ally for Indigenous Australians, our elders and our natural world, and keep carving a place in public consciousness for Aboriginal voices and knowledge to shine and be respected, for the growth of all Australians and our global community.
Again, I would like to thank the trustees of the AGNSW for acknowledging my work and thank you to my partner Roberto Meza Mont and all my friends and family for the ongoing support over the years.