2024 Archibald and Sulman Prizes

Four Studio A artists secured a whopping five placements across this year's Archibald and Sulman Prizes (June 8 – September 8, 2024). Emily Crockford secured a fourth-time placement as an Archibald finalist, Daniel Kim and Meagan Pelham were named as Archibald finalists for the second time, and Thom Roberts was awarded placements in both the Archibald and Sulman Prizes.

Singing with my selfie at the top of the world with my imagination came to Emily Crockford in her dreams. This heartwarming self-portrait depicts Emily smiling in front of blue skies and our brand new St Leonards headquarters, while Australian wildlife lovingly surrounds her. 

After meeting at Studio A's landmark mural at the Art Gallery of NSW in 2020, Meagan Pelham painted the curator of the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, Isobel Parker Philip, for Highlight in the Moonlight. When Isobel visited the studio, Meagan thought she looked like a "top model in moonlight", inspiring the stunning themes and designs of the piece. 

Daniel Kim's Blue jeans and flowers is a portrait of Laura Jones (2024 Archibald winner), Ed Liston and David Liston, the founders of Incognito Art Show. Daniel visited Laura Jones' Sydney studio to paint the trio, ultimately creating his largest work on canvas to date. The studio environment played a central role, surrounding his subjects with art materials, Laura's signature flowers, and paint splashes.

Thom Roberts painted iconic Australian artist Ken Done for the Archibald Prize. Big Bamm-Bamm Reimagined Done "Thom's way", with extra eyes, cat's ears and a glorious, stripey sweater. And for the Sulman, Thom's entry, Dinkie is Thom's friend, is a portrait of Subita, the cleaner at Studio A, whom he affectionately calls “Dinkie Duck”. Thom asked to paint her “as big as real life” after he formed a friendship with Subita, who would arrive at the studio each day, wheeling her cleaning trolley. 

Words: Sam Kalis. Photos: Studio A