Artists deliver final Archibald entries

Friday was the final day for entries to be delivered to the Sydney gallery as part of preparations for the 2022 Archibald Prize, the nation's most prestigious portrait award.

Australian artist Paul Newton personally dropped off his painting of Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee Furness before the deadline passed.

Entries for the Archibald, as well as the Wynne Prize for landscape scenery or sculptures and Sulman Prize for subject paintings, have been arriving from the across the nation this week.

Among them was a high-profile entry from Kurdish refugee Mostafa Azimitabar, who spent eight years in detention before his release in early 2021.

He painted a self-portrait with toothbrushes and coffee, to signify the only materials he had while in detention, in addition to some acrylic paint.

In a social media post on Friday afternoon, the gallery hailed the work of its packing room team after a busy week fielding deliveries from artists, their representatives and couriers.

"Each year they swing into action with efficiency, skill and irresistible good cheer, delighted to meet artists who have poured creativity, insight and hope into their entries," it tweeted.

"Thank you to all who battled the rain to bring their brilliant art and beaming smiles (not to mention several adorable pets) to the loading dock for 2022."

The 2022 Archibald Prize has a cash prize of $100,000 for the winning entry, which will be announced in May.

Australian Associated Press