Congratulations to Richard Lewer, winner of the Archibald Prize 2026 for his portrait of senior artist and Ngangkari (traditional healer), Iluwanti Ken.
“I spent time with Iluwanti at Tjala Arts in Amata, in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. Although we have known one another for several years through shared exhibitions, being on Country together deepened my understanding of her presence and the responsibilities she carries, Iluwanti paints with an urgency I recognise. 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. I wanted to convey her strength and attentiveness, and reflect the way she watches over others.
In person, Iluwanti is a small woman, but she carries immense, quiet authority. I painted her life‑size, so her presence meets the viewer directly. The yellow ochre background holds the intensity of the heat and light we were working in. She loves bright clothing, which feels inseparable from her spirit, and the traces of paint on her arm acknowledge her as a working artist, as if she has just stepped out of the studio.” – Richard Lewer 2026
Richard’s award winning artwork can be viewed alongside all the finalists, (including Iluwanti’s own Wynne Prize entry), at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until 16 August 2026.
Image credit: Richard Lewer, Iluwanti Ken, 2026, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 198.0 x 198.0 cm
