Congratulations to Peter Wegner – Winner of the Archibald Prize 2021

Peter Wegner has won the 2021 Archibald prize with his portrait of 100-year-old Guy Warren.

Australian Galleries is incredibly proud to announce Peter Wegner as this year’s winner of the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW.

‘Guy Warren AM turned 100 in April – he was born the same year the Archibald Prize was first awarded in 1921. This is not why I painted Guy, but the coincidence is nicely timed,’ says Peter Wegner.

Warren won the 1985 Archibald Prize with a portrait of artist Bert Flugelman, which is included in the Archie 100 exhibition. This is the seventh time he has been an Archibald subject, including a self-portrait in 1996.

‘I have been working on a series of drawings of people who have turned 100 and this was initially the reason l approached Guy. I have been aware of his work for many years, especially the portrait that won the 1985 Archibald. I chose to paint him because he is one of the most remarkable centenarians l have ever met. He still finds purpose in working in his studio daily, one of the traits he attributes to his longevity,’ says Wegner.

‘When he placed his jumper over his shoulder, the pose was decided. This portrait honours Guy Warren in the 101st year of his productive and meaningful life.’

Peter Wegner in his studio Stuart Purves AM, Australian Galleries National Director, with Guy Warren AM at the announcement of the Archibald Prize