Who is Richard Lewer? Melbourne-based artist wins Archibald Prize 2026 with powerful portrait of Pitjantjatjara elder Iluwanti Ken

Richard Lewer is a Melbourne-based contemporary artist known for his emotionally powerful paintings and storytelling style. Originally from New Zealand, Lewer has built a strong reputation in Australia’s art scene through works that often explore personal experiences, history, and human connection. In 2026, he gained major recognition after winning the prestigious Archibald Prize for his striking portrait of fellow artist Iluwanti Ken. The portrait was praised for its emotional depth and honesty. Lewer’s victory further strengthened his standing as one of Australia’s leading portrait artists and highlighted the importance of Indigenous representation in contemporary art.

According to Art Forum, Lewer, a six-time finalist for the Archibald Prize, secured the AU$100,000 award for his synthetic polymer paint-on-canvas portrait of Ken - a respected Pitjantjatjara elder, senior artist, and ngangkari, or traditional healer. Lewer was selected as one of 59 finalists for this year’s Archibald Prize from a total of 1,034 submissions. Among the other finalists were portraits featuring Bondi rescue hero Ahmed Al Ahmed, Sam Mostyn, and ABC journalist Virginia Trioli from Creative Types.



According to ABC News, Ken - who is also a finalist for this year’s Wynne Prize - works at Tjala Arts in Amata, located in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. Lewer spent a week on Country with Ken, her family, and community while creating the portrait, working in extreme heat reaching nearly 47 degrees Celsius.

"I'm a little freckly man, so I burn easy," Lewer said while talking to told ABC Arts.

"It was so humbling to shine a spotlight on Iluwanti Ken... People should know her. She's an incredible artist.

"Even though she's quite small in stature, she's a massive personality, very funny and so warm," he added.


Lewer’s portrait of Ken has become only the fifth painting featuring a First Nations person to win the Archibald Prize in its 105-year history. The work now joins previous winning portraits of artist Karla Dickens, AFL star Adam Goodes, musician Gurrumul, and actor David Gulpilil.

Speaking after receiving the award at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), Lewer said he was thrilled to be present and described the Archibald victory as deeply meaningful to him.

"I've had the great fortune and I'm a very lucky man to paint Iluwanti," he said as quoted by the ABC News.

"I've wanted to for some time, and Iluwanti, it's an absolute pleasure that you gave me your time, took me to your Country and gave me the opportunity to paint you."

Gaypalani Wanambi claimed the AU$50,000 Wynne Prize for The Wanambi Tree, an abstract spray-painted work created on steel. The prize is awarded each year for an outstanding landscape painting or figurative sculpture inspired by Australian scenery.

Meanwhile, Lucy Culliton received the AU$40,000 Sulman Prize for Toolah, Artist Model, an oil-on-canvas portrait featuring one of her seven greyhounds. The Sulman Prize recognises excellence in genre painting, subject painting, or mural art.