Richard Lewer Wins 2026 Archibald Prize for Iluwanti Ken Portrait
Richard Lewer has been awarded the 2026 Archibald Prize along with A$100,000 for his portrait of Pitjantjatjara elder Iluwanti Ken, chosen unanimously from a pool of 59 finalists and 1,034 submissions. This marks Lewer's first victory after six previous finalist nominations. The Rubio Butterfield Foundation, under the guidance of trustee Jennifer Rubio and Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield, has donated $23 million to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to support its paid internship program, benefiting over 100 students each year. The Aspen Art Fair is set to return to Hotel Jerome from July 29 to August 1, showcasing more than 35 international exhibitors and a variety of events. Additionally, Canali has named Alessio Lillocci as its new creative director, while SCAD has introduced BAZAAR by shopSCAD, a luxury boutique located in Savannah.
Key facts
- Richard Lewer won the 2026 Archibald Prize for his portrait of Iluwanti Ken.
- The prize is A$100,000.
- The portrait was selected unanimously by Art Gallery of New South Wales trustees from 59 finalists and 1,034 entries.
- Lewer is New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based; this is his first Archibald win after six finalist appearances.
- The Met received a $23 million gift from the Rubio Butterfield Foundation to endow internship programs.
- The Aspen Art Fair returns July 29–August 1, 2026, with over 35 exhibitors.
- Canali appointed Alessio Lillocci as creative director.
- SCAD launched BAZAAR by shopSCAD in Savannah.
Entities
Artists
- Richard Lewer
- Iluwanti Ken
- Christopher John Rogers
- Kate Barton
- Ellie Warnke
- Jinseo Park
- Harris Barnes
- Timothy Underwood
Institutions
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Rubio Butterfield Foundation
- Aspen Art Fair
- Hotel Jerome
- Perrotin
- Sean Kelly Gallery
- Marianne Boesky Gallery
- Southern Guild
- Galerie Gmurzynska
- Miles McEnery Gallery
- Vielmetter Los Angeles
- Canali
- Brunello Cucinelli
- SCAD
- BAZAAR by shopSCAD
- Despise Gossip
Locations
- New South Wales
- Melbourne
- New York City
- Aspen
- Savannah
- United States
- Australia