2026 Archibald Prize finalists

Congratulations to three Nanda\Hobbs artists

We are thrilled to have three artists selected in the 2026 Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW — James Powditch, Loribelle Spirovski and Caroline Zilinsky.

 

All three artists are well known to the Prize. Loribelle is a second-time finalist and was winner of the People's Choice award last year, for her finger painting of yidaki virtuoso William Barton. James is celebrating his tenth Archibald selection alongside 6 Sulman and 12 Wynne Prize finalist selections. For Caroline, this is her third time in the Archibald Prize since 2022.

 

James Powditch's subject is Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, titled Once Upon a Time in Yarralumla

‘Sam arrived at my Sydney studio with an unusual gift: a branch of palm inflorescence (flower stalk) from the grounds of Admiralty House. “I know you collect objects,” she said. It seemed so quirky, unexpected and thoughtful that it had to be part of the picture,’ says James Powditch.  READ MORE

 

Loribelle Spirovski has painted Australian musician, Daniel Johns frontman of the band Silverchair.

‘Before I met Daniel during the filming of Scott Hicks’ 2023 documentary, The musical mind: a portrait in progress, in which we both featured, I sang his songs with my high-school rock band,’ says Loribelle Spirovski.  READ MORE

Loribelle is also the subject of a portrait by Tsering Hannaford in this year’s Archibald Prize.

 

Caroline Zilinsky has painted the Zimmermann sisters, Nicky and Simone, an iconic duo in the world of fashion. From humble beginnings at Sydney’s Paddington Markets in the 1990s, they have become a global phenomenon.

This painting takes its inspiration from Frida Kahlo’s 1939 work The two Fridas (Las dos Fridas). ‘When I sketched the sisters, Nicky remarked that the holding of hands was symbolic of the emotional support between them. In their other hands are a needle and thread that unites them,’ says Caroline Zilinsky.  READ MORE

 

The exhibition runs from 9 May to 16 August 2026 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1, 2026