A portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder, senior artist and ngangkari (traditional healer) Iluwanti Ken has won Australia’s most prestigious art prize.
The 2026 Archibald Prize, worth $100,000, has gone to Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer who painted the life-size piece.
Lewer said by painting in such a scale, he wanted his subject’s presence to meet the viewer directly and portray what he described as her "quiet authority."
He said he was proud for both Iluwanti and for himself.
"I feel deeply humbled to have won the Archibald Prize, and especially happy that this recognition brings a spotlight to Iluwanti, which was always my intention with this portrait," he said.
"Iluwanti is the most beautiful woman, and it was a complete treat to spend time with her and to be able to paint her on Country.
"I hope this work recognises her role as a healer, artist and custodian of the knowledge she carries and so generously shares," Lewer said.
Lewer's piece was selected from 1034 entries for the portrait competition and is one of 59 finalist works on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The artist described how he painted a yellow ochre ground to evoke the heat, light and warmth of Ken's Country, while the floral skirt she features in the piece was shown to reflect her vitality and love of bright colours.
The work was painted following time spent on Country with Ken in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia, where she lives and works.
Lewer's piece reflects Ken as an artist, with flecks of paint on her arm.
Her own art was recognised this year, when she was named as a finalist in Wynne Prize.
Lewer said he drew inspiration from Ken and her work in creating the winning portrait.
"Iluwanti paints with an urgency I recognise," he said.
"Her work depicts the walawuru tjukurpa, the story of the eagles.
"Birds appear in her drawings, paintings and ceramics as teachers of care, protection, provision and resilience, particularly for women and children.
"These lessons shaped how I approached this portrait."
This year was the sixth time Lewer had been a finalist in the award.
