The Art Gallery of New South Wales has announced French-born Sydney artist Bruno Jean Grasswill as the winner of this year’s Packing Room Prize for his portrait of Australian actor Michael Caton.The cash prize of $1500 is awarded to the best entry in the Archibald Prize as judged by the gallery staff who receive, unpack, and hang the entries.And should there be any disagreement among the packers, the head of the packing room, Steve Peters has 51% of the vote, meaning he gets the final say.According to the AGNSW, when Bruno Jean Grasswill’s work arrived at the gallery, Peters thought it was “Loud, looked very bright and – more importantly – looked just like Michael Caton.”“I think the portrait is terrific. For me, it was always going to be a contender. That’s what the other guys thought as well,” said Peters.Bruno Jean Grasswill chose Michael Caton as his subject after meeting him socially. Caton sat for the portrait during a four-hour lunch in the artist’s backyard, next to his studio.“I saw a contradictory rawness and sophistication in Michael’s face. In presenting a discreet smile while he peers into the dark side of life, I’m mixing Shakespearean comedy and tragedy,” said Grasswill.Caton congratulated Grasswill and praised him for “expertly captured my thoughts and feelings after what was a long and enjoyable lunch together.”View finalists of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes here
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