Melbourne artist Richard Lewer has won the 2026 Archibald Prize and the prestigious $100,000 award for his portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder and artist Iluwanti Ken. The life-sized work was created after Lewer spent time with Ken on Country in South Australia’s Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. Judges praised the portrait for capturing her strength, warmth and cultural presence. Lewer, previously a six-time Archibald finalist, said he hoped the painting would shine a spotlight on Ken’s role as a healer, artist and custodian of cultural knowledge within her community.