Vincent Namatjira wins the Archibald Prize

25 September 2020

On this day, Vincent Namatjira was announced as the winner of the 2020 Archibald Prize. The Western Arrernte artist became the first Aboriginal artist to win the prize, with Stand strong for who you are, a portrait showing himself alongside Adam Goodes.

Art, recognition and solidarity

The painting brought together Namatjira and Goodes in an image of connection and support. Contemporary reporting described the influence of Goodes’ experiences of racism and the documentary The Final Quarter on Namatjira’s decision to return to the subject.

The announcement was a historic first for the Archibald Prize. It is also important to recognise the work as an achievement of an individual artist with his own practice and perspective, rather than asking one painting to represent every First Nations experience.

Seeing the work beyond the award

Major prizes can bring an artist to new audiences, but the award is not where the meaning of the artwork begins or ends. This anniversary invites viewers to pay attention to how portraiture can speak about power, belonging, solidarity and the public treatment of prominent people.

Looking carefully means allowing time for the work itself and for the artist’s explanation. A headline about a first can open a conversation, but it should not replace engagement with the choices, relationships and ideas expressed in the painting.

Reflecting on the anniversary

Consider how art can challenge the way people are seen and discussed. What happens when an artist places himself within an image of solidarity? How might that differ from a portrait that presents its subject alone?

The anniversary can also encourage reflection on racism in public life and on the responsibilities of audiences. Support is more meaningful when it extends beyond admiring a powerful image to considering how we respond to unfair treatment in our own settings.

Seek out First Nations arts writing and artist-led explanations. Respect copyright when sharing images, and use authorised reproductions rather than assuming an award-winning artwork is free to copy.

Sources and further reading

NITV: Vincent Namatjira wins the 2020 Archibald Prize; ABC: historic Archibald win.