May 27, 2021

Congratulations to Dagmar Cyrulla, a Finalist in this year’s Archibald Prize for her outstanding work, ‘Wendy’. The Archibald, one of the most prestigious prizes in the country, is now in its 100th year. Selection for the finalists’ exhibition is particularly special in 2021 and will open alongside ‘Archie 100’, a sister exhibition, in celebration of the award’s centenary year. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes will be on show at the Art Gallery of NSW from 5 June to 26 September, 2021. For further information, please click here
Dagmar Cyrulla on her portrait of Wendy Sharpe:
“I met Wendy through a mutual friend and was instantly drawn to her because of her incredible energy and passion.”
“In my narrative paintings I often paint strong, feminine women. I wasn’t drawn to Wendy because of her success as an artist, but as a woman who is confident, fun, inclusive, warm, encouraging, intelligent and incredibly strong. Her zest for life and art is infectious. We share a love of earrings too!
“This portrait is one of six that I completed. I like to paint my subjects more than once, so I can explore limited colour palettes to express my emotional connection with the sitter. Wendy and I played in her studio with different poses, hats and lights. I wanted a sense of movement to be present in the work to express Wendy’s boundless energy and the fun we had.”