Last Friday, as the rain poured down, I sat down to talk with Kim and Trevor about the Field Trip to the AGNSW for a tour of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition.
I quickly realised that what made their accounts of the tour so interesting is that Kim highlighted the strengths, whilst Trevor identified its weaknesses. Furthermore, Kim and Trevor’s observations are helpful to guide us as we illuminate objects within the Museum for visitors.
Kim appreciated the facts presented by the tour guide, especially that the exhibition comprised of three awards, not simply the Archibald Prize for portraiture. That is, the exhibition also includes the following prizes –
- Wynne Prize for landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture.
- Sulman Prize for subject painting, genre painting or mural project in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media.
Additionally, Kim sincerely valued that the tour guide pointed out the use of unconventional materials, such as, a section of a plane which was used as a canvas.
Trevor enjoyed listening to information about the artworks too, however, he also wanted a chance to engage and interpret the art before it was explained. Therefore, Trevor’s account of the tour demonstrates the value of the ‘See, Think, Wonder’ thinking strategy utilised at MAAS.
Finally, as the rain continued to fall, I asked Kim and Trevor a fun question: “Would you ever sit for a portrait?” Following some priceless facial expressions and nervous laughter, I believe that Kim and Trevor would sit for a portrait … but only if it was for a good cause.
Sian O’Rourke, Volunteer