Julie Fragar Wins the 2025 Archibald Prize: A Moment of Triumph
Tears of joy flowed for four-time Archibald Prize finalist, Julie Fragar, as she received the incredible news: her painting, "Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)," had been selected as the winner of the prestigious 2025 Archibald Prize. The announcement, made at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), marked a significant moment not only for Fragar, but for Australian art.
The Winning Portrait: A Multiverse of Meaning
Fragar’s winning portrait depicts her close friend and fellow artist, Justene Williams, in a breathtakingly imaginative style. Williams floats amidst a cosmic backdrop, surrounded by elements suggestive of her own artistic creations. The painting is a vibrant blend of realism and surrealism, capturing Williams’s essence as a dynamic and multifaceted artist.
- A Celebration of Motherhood and Artistic Creation: The title, "Flagship Mother Multiverse," is a nod to Williams's recent performance art piece exploring the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and artistic pursuits. The inclusion of Williams's daughter, Honore, adds a deeply personal touch to the work.
- Technical Brilliance: Fragar’s skill is evident in the exquisite detail and masterful use of oil on canvas. The sepia tones enhance the ethereal quality of the painting, drawing the viewer into Williams’s otherworldly presence.
- A Symbol of Artistic Defiance: The painting has resonated strongly with critics and the public alike for its symbolic significance. In a year marked by political and cultural uncertainty, "Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)" emerges as a powerful statement about female artistry and creativity.
Fragar's emotional response to the win underlines the immense significance of the Archibald Prize. For her, it represents a culmination of years of dedication and a validation of her artistic vision. "You work your whole career imagining this might happen one day," she shared, reflecting on her journey from a young art student in country New South Wales to Archibald Prize winner.
Beyond the Archibald: Wynne and Sulman Prize Winners
The 2025 Archibald Prize announcement also revealed the winners of the Wynne and Sulman Prizes. Jude Rae secured the Wynne Prize for her landscape painting, "Pre-dawn Sky over Port Botany Container Terminal," a captivating depiction of urban beauty at dawn. Gene A’Hern's "Sky Painting" took home the Sulman Prize, showcasing a vibrant and dynamic style that celebrates the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
- A Record Number of Women Finalists: 2025 marked a significant milestone with a record number of women finalists across all three prizes – a testament to the growing prominence of female artists in the Australian art scene.
- Diversity of Styles: The winning artworks displayed a remarkable diversity of styles and perspectives, underscoring the richness and breadth of contemporary Australian art.
Conclusion: A Year of Artistic Triumphs
The 2025 Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes celebrated not only individual achievements but also the vibrancy and diversity of the Australian art landscape. Julie Fragar's win with "Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)" is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the exceptional talent of female artists and marking a significant milestone in the history of the Archibald Prize. The exhibition is a must-see for art lovers, showcasing a compelling collection of works that capture the spirit of contemporary Australia.
The Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes 2025 exhibition is at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until August 17. Don't miss the opportunity to experience these remarkable artworks firsthand!
