Minnies Eyes

As I've said I'm no art expert, but that's the thing with art, everyone has their own opinion and that's what can make art so controversial! So, I thought I'd see what you think about the recent scandal with Sam Leach. The 2010 winner of the Archibald (portrait) and the Wynne (landscape) prizes. He is only the third artist to have won both prizes since Brett Whitely in 1978. He certainly has been in the hot seat in the last weeks over his winning landscape 'Proposal for landscaped cosmos'. Sam is from Adelaide and is known for his stunning rendered paintings that are referenced from the technique and motifs of 17th century Dutch paintings, and traditional Baroque techniques. These paintings were done to inspire landscape gardeners to appreciate those idealised forms. HOWEVER, this painting seems a DEAD RINGER of Adam Pynacker's 17th Century Dutch landscape 'Boatman moored on the shore of a lake' (click on images to see detail)


Well, for me, my opinion (we all have our own) I'm just not sure and confused? The NSW Gallery states that the winning entry for the Wynne is chosen for having "the best landscape painting of Australian scenery in oils or watercolours or for the best example of figure sculpture by Australian artists" When I look at them both, OMG!!!!! I can't help but think they come from the same family. I'm sure it's a stunning painting with mind blowing detail, but it certainly isn't an original.

PLAGIARISM? FORGERY? DOES IT DESERVE THE HONOUR OF WINNING SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS AUSTRALIAN ART AWARD?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?..............................


P.S. Sam Leach I think loves a bit of controversy, check out another Archibald entry he did, self portrait!!!!!