Art
Melbourne Artist Richard Lewer Wins 2026 Archibald Prize
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.
Melbourne artist Richard Lewer has won the $100,000 Archibald Prize for 2026 with his portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder and artist Iluwanti Ken.
Key Highlights
- Melbourne artist Richard Lewer wins 2026 Archibald Prize.
- The winner made an elder portrait of Iluwanti Ken.
- $100,000 is the price for the award.
- Lewer was a six-time finalist before.
- The portrait was made in the state of South Australia.
Richard Lewer Wins A Portrait Prize For The Ages In Australia
Richard Lewer from Melbourne wins the 2026 Archibald Prize with his painting of Pitjantjatjara Elder and artist Iluwanti Ken. Lewer, who was a finalist six times previously, said he had worked for the top level in his field before and called it “an extraordinary privilege”. This award-winning work has been impactful in Lewer’s Archibald career, winning him the $100,000 prize.
Portrait Painted in the Country
As part of painting the portrait, Lewer travelled to Amata in South Australia’s Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands to live and work with Iluwanti Ken. Judges praised the work for its strong imagery and noted her role as an artist in society. The life-size portrait itself has a background utilising the warmth and radiance of Country using yellow ochre tones, whilst bold colours in her dress represent both aspects of her personality; strength and dynamism.
Artist Says The Win Is Deeply Humbling
Lewer said he was both humbled by the win and hoped that the portrait would draw attention to Iluwanti Ken so people could appreciate her knowledge as a healer and custodian of culture. Ken and Jane had an intimate, emotional relationship and Ken’s childlike wonder is beautifully captured in detail about his gaze,- said Maud Page the Art Gallery director. The portrait leapt out, said trustees president Michael Rose, who noted the respect and admiration reflected in the painting.
The Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes, keeping portrait artists as well as cultural storytelling in the visual arts firmly centred.
FAQs
- Who won the 2026 Archibald Prize?
The Archibald Prize was awarded to Melbourne artist Richard Lewer in 2026.
- The winning portrait is made by whom?
Pitjantjatjara Elder and artist Iluwanti Ken are pictured in the portrait.
- Where was the portrait painted?
Lewer was with Iluwanti Ken in Amata on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia.
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