What I learnt trying to win the Archibald Prize last year (and how it’s going to help me - or maybe you - win)
Hello there friend.
If we’ve not met, my name is Oscar Finch. I’m an artist who hides in plain sight to capture unnoticed strangers and objects then imagines their tales.
Last year I shared my quest ‘How to Win the Archibald Prize’.
I would have won but for the judges picking someone else. But there was a secret I'd been keeping: the Archibald Prize isn't really a prize. It's a raison d'être - a reason for being - each year for the 900 or so artists who enter.
What was my master plan to win? I analysed all previous winners to identify common traits and gaps to be a pioneer (oil on a rectangle canvas is common, as too is an artist as subject, likewise impressionist styling).
What did I learn from my 85 day odyssey and how will it help me win this year? A few things.
- Standing out amongst the swath of 900 artworks is vital. You could stand out by drawing a hairy green chicken but standing out for a good reason is more helpful. Without standing out you’re an autumn leaf tramped underfoot.
- If you’re no Monet or Picasso don’t try to out-paint someone who is. You’ll need another weapon so...
- Have a big, bold breathtakingly idea that screams.
- The Archibald is an art prize in the art world for the art world. As I swanned around the Archibald Prize opening last year I realised the obvious. It’s an inner circle so to win you need to find a way into the inner circle (and therefore the judges).
- What this means is you don't need a million people to care about your artwork maybe just one or two or three.
- Frame your artwork (unless it’s as tall as the ceiling). It might be little realised but a frame is kind of a shibboleth that you’re part of the inner artworld circle.
- Have a plan for your artwork when you don’t win (something more useful than a room divider or garage filler). On the flip side use the Prize as an excuse to do something you always wanted to (meet your pop culture hero by painting them or yell a message to the world). Here’s the secret: everyone who does this is a winner before the winner is announced.
- Finish your work with a week to spare (unless your liked midnight study cramming as a high schooler).
I'm going to do all of these things and a few more. And I have until 24th June to do them and I'll be sharing my journey. I've called it:
Wish me luck.
Oscar
P.S - I'd love to send you my updates, just go here.
You can see my Archibald Journey here and my other creations and art here.
