Artist and Western Arrernte man Vincent Namatjira has won the 2020 Archibald Prize, for his portrait of Indigenous footballer and community leader Adam Goodes.
The portrait, titled Stand Strong For Who You Are, depicts Mr Namatjiri alongside Mr Goodes, who he describes as "a proud Aboriginal man who stands strong for his people".
Mr Namatjiri was announced winner of the $100,000 prize at the Art Gallery of NSW on Friday, becoming the first Indigenous artist to do so in its history.
"It only took 99 years," he said in his acceptance speech.
“I’m so proud to be the winner of the Archibald Prize, and to be the first Aboriginal artist to win is really special.
"I feel like this is a very important moment in Australian art. It’s an honour to be the first, but I also want to acknowledge all of the Indigenous finalists and Indigenous sitters for the Archibald this year and in past years."
Last week, Wongutha-Yamatji man Meyne Wyatt became the first Indigenous artist to win any of the prizes on offer in the history of the Archibald Prize, taking out the 2020 Archibald Packing Room Prize for his self-portrait Meyne.
Meyne Wyatt with his self-portrait Meyne. Source: SBS News
Mr Namatjira said he was inspired to reconnect with Mr Goodes after watching the 2019 documentary The Final Quarter, aired on SBS, which re-examined the final three years of his playing career.
"My guts were churning as I relived Adam’s experiences of relentless racism on and off the field. Memories of my own experiences were stirred up and I wanted to reach out and reconnect with Adam," he said.
“We share some similar stories and experiences – of disconnection from culture, language and Country, and the constant pressures of being an Aboriginal man in this country.
"We’ve also both got young daughters and don’t want them to have to go through those same experiences."
Born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in 1983, Mr Namatjira lives in the community of Indulkana in the APY Lands in the north-west of South Australia and works at Iwantja Arts.
Since 2013, he has been painting portraits of important figures, both personally familiar and famously political.
His painting was selected as one of 55 finalists, including artist Angus McDonald's portrait of refugee Behrouz Boochani and Wendy Sharpe's portrait of actor Magda Szubanski.
“I am delighted that Vincent Namatjira has become the first Indigenous artist to win the Archibald Prize for his portrait of Adam Goodes," Art Gallery of NSW Director Michael Brand said.
"Painted in a uniquely personal style, it also features Vincent himself, pointing to Adam as a great Australian."
The Sulman Prize was awarded to Marikit Santiago for her painting titled The Divine, while Wynne Prize won the Hubert Pareroultja for his painting, Tjoritja.
