A life-size portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder and artist Iluwanti Ken has won the 2026 Archibald Prize, with Yolŋu artist Gaypalani Waṉambi also recognised on the night as winner of the Wynne Prize.
Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer was announced as winner of the $100,000 Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Friday. His portrait of Ken was selected from 1034 entries and 59 finalist works.
The work is painted on a yellow ochre background, representing the light and heat of Ken’s traditional Country in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands of South Australia.
Lewer said he wanted the portrait to put attention on Ken herself.
“I really just wanted to shine a light on Iluwanti Ken. She’s an amazing person, and she should be known. Everything’s special about her,” Lewer said.
“She’s a healer, she’s responsible for many families in the community, she is an important Elder. She’s also an important artist in Australia.”
He said he wanted to communicate Ken’s strength and quiet authority, including through a splash of paint on her arm to show she is a working artist.
Art Gallery of NSW director Maud Page said the portrait had a powerful presence.
“Richard Lewer has a seemingly spontaneous and instinctual practice, but he has a masterful control of paint,” Ms Page said.
The Wynne Prize went to Gaypalani Waṉambi for The Waṉambi tree, an etched steel work executed in spray paint.
The Sulman Prize went to Sydney artist Lucy Culliton for Toolah, artist model.
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026 exhibition runs at the Art Gallery of New South Wales before touring regional New South Wales and Victoria.
Sources
- National Indigenous Times – Portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder takes out Archibald Prize
- Art Gallery of New South Wales – Richard Lewer wins Archibald Prize 2026
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