Workers' choice at the Archibald

Staff at the Art Gallery of NSW have awarded the "Packing Room Prize" to Martin Ball for his portrait of Neil Finn, of Crowded House fame. The prize is a bit of an institution at the gallery, as the predominantly non-curatorial staff, I believe, vote on their favourites of those entered for the Archibald portrait prize. I tend to prefer both the Packing Room and People's Choice awardees to the official thing in this horse race.

The photo in the link has a very odd angle, but it looks like a great portrait. But it will be some months before the exhibition gets to Melbourne, so it's still a treat.

Interestingly, both Ball and Finn are New Zealanders. How long before Australians 'claim' Ball too?