Is it serendipitous that my favourite work in the exhibition of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes is by a Queenslander? Maybe it’s just a happy coincidence

Nun at piano, Brisbane, 1966 by Noel McKenna is a standout as we wander through the spaces at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) taking it all in.

According to the artist, “this painting depicts a scene which is biographical in nature; a mixture of memory and introspection about events that happened in a convent in Brisbane in the 1960s”.

It’s a short enough descriptor but one that makes you want to know more. McKenna is no longer a Brisbane resident but having interviewed him a couple of times when he has shown in Brisbane, I know he thinks often of the city where he grew up.

The gallery is busy the day we visit, a testament to the pulling power of the Archibald and its companion prizes and exhibitions. It’s a big event on the annual visual arts calendar and whether you think it’s serious or a circus the Archibald is always worth a look. And there is some reason for parochial pride with a few other Queenslanders in the mix including a Wynne finalist work by Janet Koongotema.

In the Archibald we had three finalists this year – Holly Anderson, whose self-portrait, Not not a mother is quite compelling, Paul de Zubicaray who has painted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jaguar Jonze, (that work is titled You can’t hurt me anymore) and Eliza Bertwistle whose painting is called Chanel Contos (smiling feminist).

The winner this year was Laura Jones with her portrait of Australian author and conservationist Tim Winton. That’s a good painting and a deserved winner. Some suggest the competition is a bit thin this year but whether that’s true or not the punters were streaming in regardless. If you are heading to Sydney between now and September 8, pop in and see for yourself. There’s plenty else on to make it worth a visit to the AGNSW.

The Wendy Sharpe Spellbound exhibition is also on until August 11. It’s a fascinating insight into how this artist works. Wendy is painting a mural on site during the life of her exhibition, which is a treat. Brisbane art lovers will know her from numerous compelling shows at Philip Bacon Galleries.

Also downstairs adjacent Wendy Sharpe’s show and the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman is a stunning exhibition of the work of celebrated Australian abstractionist Lesley Dumbrell. We happened to be there for the opening of that one. Lesley Dumbrell: Thrum (on until October 13) is the first state art museum survey exhibition of one of Australia’s most significant and respected abstract painters.

The exhibition features more than 90 works drawn from major Australian public and private collections, including a couple of significant pieces loaned by QAGOMA.

AGNSW director Michael Brand describes Dumbrell as “a pioneer of the burgeoning abstract art movement in late 20th century Melbourne”.

“Dumbrell’s singular vision and meticulous approach to her practice have sustained a lengthy and fruitful artistic career,” Brand says. And that career is on display across several gallery spaces.

The exhibition that has really got everyone talking, though, is on in the gallery’s new building next door, dubbed Naala Badu.

Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau, on until September 22, is exclusive to Sydney. It’s a stunning show featuring an artist you might not have heard of. Ah, but you will recognise his style and some of his art nouveau poster work including some featuring Sarah Bernhardt, a big star of that era.

It traces the full breadth of this artist’s life from humble beginnings in Moravia, present-day Czech Republic, to his triumphs in Paris and beyond. This exhibition is fascinating and beautiful in equal measure and is the talk of the town in Sydney now. It is on until September 22 if you happen to be heading to the Emerald City.

As a nice addition, there’s a small selection of Japanese prints from the gallery’s exceptional ukiyo-e collection, the likes of which circulated throughout 19th century Paris and doubtless would have influenced Mucha, who was born in 1860 and died in 1939.

As well as his gorgeous decorative posters and other works reflecting la belle epoque, there is his monumental painting cycle the Slav Epic reflected here digitally to great effect.

You may want to tarry awhile in the gift shop on your way out for some art nouveau mementos. We did.

artgallery.nsw.gov.au