Painter and comedian Anh Do has won the People's Choice award for his portrait of actor Jack Charles in this year's Archibald Prize.
Do said his first awareness of Charles was in a newspaper article that described him as an “esteemed actor, former heroin addict and jailbird, member of the Stolen Generation, gay man and latter-day Indigenous activist”.
“I feel very lucky that Jack let me paint his portrait for the Archibald prize," said Do.
"He’s an extraordinary Australian with a great face full of character. Jack has lived a big life and I enjoyed getting to know him and painting his portrait immensely."
Speaking about the artistic process behind the portrait, Do said he wanted the painting "to capture his gravitas, but also the loneliness that has been his constant companion".
"I mixed wet and semi-dried paint to create a texture that would evoke mountains and waterfalls, tree bark, fallen leaves, clouds and rain to encapsulate the beauty of the Australian landscape inside this beautiful man’s face."
Charles described the artwork and its win as a fun experience and an extraordinary portrait.
“I am extremely chuffed to be counted as one of Anh Do’s mates, and of his extraordinary portrait of moi. It was a hoot sitting for this legend in his sexy little Sydney studio,” Charles said.
“I count him as one of the best extractors of information – from his engaging smile, wit, genuine interest and listening to the dribs and drabs of my story, my reason for living. I’m blessed thrice over."
Do was a 2014 Archibald finalist for his portrait of his father, Tam Do.
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2017 are running at The Art Gallery of NSW for another two weeks.
