This year’s Archibald Prize winner is an instant classic. Here’s why

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I held zero envy for the Archibald Prize judges this year, charged with picking a winner that is right for the times.

They were spoilt for choice with an array of artistically strong portraits, while also navigating a febrile domestic and geopolitical landscape.

Choosing an entertainer would have misread the mood; choosing a campaigner or activist could have leant too heavily into it. Landing on Richard Lewer’s beautiful, powerful portrait of APY Pitjantjatjara elder Iluwanti Ken strikes the perfect balance.

Rendered life-size and on unprimed canvas drenched in yellow ochre-coloured paint, Ken, in her trademark colourful clothing,........

© Brisbane Times