A portrait of Swans legend Adam Goodes has won this year’s Archibald Prize.
The painting titled Stand Strong for Who You Are, by artist Vincent Namatjira, depicts the artist hand in hand with Goodes, before iconic images of the former Swan including his war dance and his re-enactment of Nicky Winmar lifting his jumper.
Namatjira, the grandson of iconic artist Albert Namatjira, is the first Indigenous artist to win the prize in its 99-year history.
Namatjira accepted the award via video link from South Australia, saying to win was a very special moment.
“What an honour it is to be the first Indigenous winner of the Archibald prize,” he said.
“It only took 99 years! I’m so proud to be the first, but I also have to acknowledge all the Indigenous finalists and Indigenous sitters for the Archibald this year and past years.”
The winner was announced at the Art Gallery of NSW just after midday on Friday.
The winner of the Sulman Prize is Marikit Santiago for her painting titled The Divine. The Wynne Prize went to Hubert Pareroultja for his painting Tjoritja.
Last week, artist Meyne Wyatt made Archibald history by becoming the first Indigenous artist to win any of the prizes in the Archibalds, when he took out the Packing Room Prize with his self portrait. The award is judged by the gallery staff who receive, unpack and hang the Archibald entries.
Vincent Namatjira's self-portrait with Adam Goodes, entitled Stand Strong for Who You Are has won the Archibald Prize.(Picture Supplied: Art Gallery Of NSW)
