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

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