Backyard Opera: The inaugural dobell drawing prize, a revitalised bastion of excellence

Exhibition Interviews Media News On Campus

Backyard Opera: The inaugural dobell drawing prize, a revitalised bastion of excellence

2019-04-16

by Danielle Neely

For the first time since 2012, the prestigious Dobell Drawing Prize was awarded on March 27 in a glittery ceremony at the National Art School in Darlinghurst. Previously part of the Archibald Prize, the now-standalone award attracted the doyens of the Sydney art world, but the true star of the night was the art adorning the walls, breathing life into the gallery space and the centrepiece of all conversation.

Installation view of Dobell Drawing Prize #21. Photo: Peter Morgan

Tags:

In the Media News

Opening 12 February — Queer Contemporary, as part of @sydneymardigras

This year`s edition presents `Liz Bradshaw: I didn`t expect to live this long` — an exhibition of large-scale sculpture and installation works that offer a personal and political queering of time, space, materiality, and idea — with student exhibitions organised by Jack Oliver Owen and nikita lelu.

Join us for the opening night on Thursday 12 February, from 6–9pm.

RSVP 🔗 in bio.

—
Liz Bradshaw, `Two Pair`, 2023

View Instagram post by nas_au

Feb 1

Open post by nas_au with ID 18554143225038651

Opening 12 February — Queer Contemporary, as part of @sydneymardigras

This year's edition presents 'Liz Bradshaw: I didn't expect to live this long' — an exhibition of large-scale sculpture and installation works that offer a personal and political queering of time, space, materiality, and idea — with student exhibitions organised by Jack Oliver Owen and nikita lelu.

Join us for the opening night on Thursday 12 February, from 6–9pm.

RSVP 🔗 in bio.

—
Liz Bradshaw, 'Two Pair', 2023

The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.

Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.

For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jan 26

Open post by nas_au with ID 18386603995195037

The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.

Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.

For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney

Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s opening.

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art continues until 11 April.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm.

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jan 23

Open post by nas_au with ID 17867031615551162

Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s opening.

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art continues until 11 April.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm.

Opening tonight—SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art at the National Art School Gallery.

Curated by Fiona Lowry and Katrina Cashman, SEARCHERS brings together more than 35 artists spanning four decades to explore the intersection of contemporary art and graffiti culture, and the enduring impact of spray paint on both.

Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Join us from 6–9pm this evening to celebrate the opening of this major new exhibition, presented as part of @sydney_festival.

—
Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jan 22

Open post by nas_au with ID 18109578217642083

Opening tonight—SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art at the National Art School Gallery.

Curated by Fiona Lowry and Katrina Cashman, SEARCHERS brings together more than 35 artists spanning four decades to explore the intersection of contemporary art and graffiti culture, and the enduring impact of spray paint on both.

Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Join us from 6–9pm this evening to celebrate the opening of this major new exhibition, presented as part of @sydney_festival.

—
Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley

Now open: Art Club enrolments for students aged 15–17

Led by practicing artists, these weekly after-school workshops are designed to develop technical skills and foster a community of like-minded peers.

Book now for Term 1 🔗 in bio.

—
Photos: Peter Morgan

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jan 19

Open post by nas_au with ID 18080508104247767

Now open: Art Club enrolments for students aged 15–17

Led by practicing artists, these weekly after-school workshops are designed to develop technical skills and foster a community of like-minded peers.

Book now for Term 1 🔗 in bio.

—
Photos: Peter Morgan

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April 2026

Opening event: Thursday 22 January, 6–9pm

A major exhibition exploring the politics and poetics of spray

With Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Presented as part of @sydney_festival

—
Photography: @zanwimberley

View Instagram post by nas_au

Jan 16

Open post by nas_au with ID 17866960827544113

Backyard Opera: The inaugural dobell drawing prize, a revitalised bastion of excellence