A portrait of Aboriginal Elder Iluwanti Ken by Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer has won this year’s $100,000 Archibald Prize.
Lewer is a six-time Archibald finalist who painted the colourful portrait of the Pitjantjatjara artist and traditional healer.
Mr Lewer spent time on Country with his subject in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands of South Australia, with judges noting the portrait spoke powerfully to presence and cultural responsibility.
The artist travelled to Amata to spend time with Ms Ken at her art centre and worked alongside her, giving the award-winner a deeper understanding of the Elder’s responsibilities to family, community and culture.
Mr Lewer said he was really proud for both Ms Ken and 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.
“I have been a finalist many times and never expected to win, but that’s what makes this so exciting.”
The life-size portrait has a yellow ochre background to evoke the heat, light and warmth of her Country, while her clothing reflects her love of bright colours and vitality.
Flecks of paint on her arm acknowledge her as an artist.
Art Gallery director Maud Page said Mr Lewer had a seemingly spontaneous and instinctual practice, but he has a masterful control of paint.
“He presents Iluwanti Ken as if she’s emerging out of the ochre, with no conventional perspective, yet her presence as both an artist, healer and matriarch is powerfully realised,” she said.
“Her eyes are particularly striking – her gaze is direct and conveys her strength and warmth.”
The Art Gallery’s Board of Trustees president Michael Rose congratulated all the finalists in the Archibald and praised the standard of work in this year’s competition.
“All the trustees were immediately drawn to Richard Lewer’s portrait of Iluwanti Ken,” he said.
“It’s a powerful and energetic portrait by an accomplished artist and has captured the energy of another artist that he admires and respects greatly. You can sense that admiration in the work.”
