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Craig Ruddy: David Gulpilil, two worlds :: Archibald Prize 2004 :: Art Gallery NSW

Prizes Archibald Prize 2004

Viewing all 40 Archibald finalists for 2004

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Winner: Archibald Prize 2004 Winner: People's Choice 2004

Craig Ruddy
Title David Gulpilil, two worlds Medium mixed media on wallpaper on board Dimensions 204 x 240cm Further information Gulpilil is one of Australias leading Aboriginal actors. Born in Arnhem Land in 1953, he grew up as a member of the Mandalpingu Tribe in the area his ancestors have inhabited for thousands of years. When he was 16 he was cast in the landmark Australian film Walkabout. Gulpilil has since achieved international fame in movies such as The last wave, Storm boy, Crocodile Dundee, Rabbit proof fence and The tracker. Between films he returns to Arnhem Land and his
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Craig Ruddy: David Gulpilil, two worlds :: Archibald Prize 2004 :: Art Gallery NSW

traditional lifestyle. His solo show Gulpilil, about his extraordinary life, premiered at the 2004 Adelaide Festival to rave reviews and will come to Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney in October. ... David is a man who crosses the lines that still divide two contrasting worlds says Ruddy. One is an infinite world of spiritual connection with the land and universe as a whole, and the other a materialistic conformation of western civilisation. Simplicities and complexities infiltrate both worlds and David seems to strike a balance. Ruddy has been contemplating painting such a portrait for some time. The bold, free spirited line work of the charcoal and graphite contrast with the structured and refined opulence of the colonial English wallpaper. I hope that the work represents the energy and spirituality that I experienced in his presence The wallpaper included as the background for this painting is the same as that used in the drawing room at Kirribilli House. Ruddy has focused seriously on painting full time for the past three years. He had solo exhibitions at the Sydney Fringe Festival in 2002 and at Graphis Gallery in 2003. He has also taken part in several group shows at Dank Street Studio. This is the first time he has been hung in the Archibald Prize, though he had a Self portrait in last years Salon des Refuss. [n.b.] The wallpaper used for this portrait has been described as being a design by William Morris, produced in Australia by Florence Broadhurst. Florence Broadhurst was, herself, an occasional entrant in the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman competitions during the 1950s and 1960s and sat twice for Archibald entries by Joshua Smith in the 1960s. This painting was sold at auction at Sothebys Australia on 28 August 2006 for the sum of $312,000. [The Australian, 29/8/06, p.3]. View mobile version Contact us Keep me updated Art Gallery of New South Wales Art Gallery Rd, The Domain 2000 Sydney, Australia

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