Julie Fragar has made history by winning the prestigious 2025 Archibald Prize for her portrait of Justene Williams, titled Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene). This remarkable achievement not only earns her a $100,000 award but also marks her as the 13th woman to win the 104-year-old art accolade, and the third consecutive female winner since 2023.
The Archibald Prize, celebrated for its recognition of outstanding portraiture, has a long-standing tradition of showcasing the best in Australian art. This year's competition featured an impressive 904 entries, with 57 finalists selected for the honor. Fragar’s portrait of Williams stands out in this year's exhibition, which opens at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) on May 10, 2025, and runs until August 17, 2025.
Fragar, who serves as the Head of Painting at the Queensland College of Art and Design, expressed her joy and disbelief at winning the award. "You work your whole career imagining this might happen one day. Thinking back to myself as a 17-year-old showing up at the Sydney College of the Arts — a kid from country New South Wales — it's incredible to think I have won the Archibald Prize," she said. Her win is especially significant as it highlights the increasing recognition of women in the art world, following Laura Jones' victory in 2024 and Julia Gutman’s in 2023.
In her winning portrait, Fragar captures Williams in a striking manner, portraying her as a powerful figure in the art world. The title Flagship Mother Multiverse draws inspiration from Williams’ recent installation work, Making Do Rhymes With Poo, which showcases her creative process. Fragar elaborated on the meaning behind her work, stating, "Justene is incredible. I feel very fortunate that she allowed me to do this portrait. There is nobody like her. The work is a reflection on the experience of making art to deadlines, and the labour and love of being a mother."
Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Maud Page praised Fragar's ability to convey depth in her work. "Julie Fragar has a sumptuous ability to transcend reality and depict her subjects technically but also psychologically. Justene Williams is a larger-than-life character, a performer — cacophonous and joyous," Page remarked. In the painting, Williams is depicted surrounded by her artworks, with her daughter Honore represented as a small figure atop a sculpture, symbolizing the balance between motherhood and professional life.
The Archibald Prize is not the only accolade featured in this year's exhibition. The Wynne Prize, awarded for landscape painting, went to Jude Rae for her work Pre-dawn sky over Port Botany container terminal. Rae's piece captures the fleeting beauty of urban landscapes, showcasing the lights of the Botany Bay container terminal at dawn. She described her inspiration, saying, "There is something compelling about the constantly flashing gantry lights and the floodlights blasting away in those hours just before dawn." Rae's work was selected from 52 finalists and 758 entries, further emphasizing the diversity and talent present in this year's awards.
Additionally, the Sir John Sulman Prize was awarded to Gene A'Hern for his painting Sky Painting, which conveys the artist's connection to the Blue Mountains and nature. A'Hern's work, characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic forms, reflects his deep appreciation for the environment. He explained, "Painted with expansive movements to capture a sense of scale and colour, this painting unfolded as I immersed myself in skywatching."
As the exhibition prepares to tour various galleries across Australia, including Geelong Gallery and Gosford Regional Gallery, it promises to celebrate the achievements of both emerging and established artists. This year marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time in the history of the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman prizes that more finalist works by women artists have been recognized.
The Archibald Prize has long been a barometer for cultural shifts within the Australian art scene. As Fragar's win highlights the growing prominence of female artists, it also raises questions about the evolving landscape of portraiture and representation in contemporary art. With each passing year, the Archibald Prize continues to challenge norms and celebrate the diverse narratives that shape our understanding of identity and creativity.
Fragar's portrait, along with Rae's and A'Hern's winning works, will be on display for the public to appreciate, inviting discussions about the role of art in reflecting societal values and personal experiences. The Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman prizes are not merely awards; they are a celebration of artistic expression that resonates with audiences across generations.
As visitors flock to the AGNSW to view these remarkable pieces, they will not only witness the talent of Australian artists but also engage with the stories that each work tells. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and foster a sense of community among artists and art lovers alike.
In a world where the arts often face challenges and scrutiny, events like the Archibald Prize provide a vital platform for artists to showcase their work and share their voices. As we look forward to the exhibition, one thing is clear: the future of Australian art is bright, and the stories waiting to be told are as vast as the multiverse that Fragar so beautifully depicts.
