Karen Black is a finalist in this year’s Sulman and Archibald Prizes.
Her work Both of us (2024) has been selected as a Sulman Prize finalist, an award given to a selected genre or subject painting. Black explained how the work explores the ways in which “energies and vibrations between two people sharing common life experiences can create a strong bond and sense of connection.” Concerning the coalescent forces invoked by the law of attraction, Black’s work aims to further an understanding of how individuals with similar energies, vibrations and mindsets tend to gravitate towards each other.
Additionally, Black’s portrait of arts professional Vivian Vidulich has been selected for the Archibald Prize. A three-time finalist in the prize, the work is an affectionate ode to a long-time friend of the artist. On the painterly and compositional rationale behind the work, Black explained how she “couldn’t have made this painting unless it showed her from head to toe. I [Black] wanted to portray the generous, gentle, kind person she is, but also show her strength and resilience.”
Karen Black’s paintings included the Archibald and Sulman Prize exhibitions will be on show at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, from 8 June – 8 September 2024. The winner of each prize will be announced on 7 June 2024.
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2024
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Gadigal Country
Naala Nura, Lower level 2
8 June – 8 September 2024; touring thereafter.