John Ibrahim portrait a finalist in Archibald Prize 2024
The Archibald Prize finalists have been unveiled with a surprising nod to colourful Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim. See the portraits here.
NSW
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A portrait of Kings Cross identity turned TV producer John Ibrahim is now hanging in the NSW Art gallery after being selected as a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize.
The painting by Sydney artist Oliver Watts was one of 57 finalists unveiled on Thursday morning along with portraits of Hollywood stars Jacob Elordi and Anthony LaPaglia, activist Julian Assange, author Tim Winton and performer Anthony Field from The Wiggles.
Victorian street artist Matt Adnate won the Packing Room Prize for their portrait of Baker Boy.
Ibrahim has repeatedly been asked to sit for various artists over the years but relented when an artist on the set of Last King of the Cross approached him on behalf of Watts.
“You can’t fully explain the history of Sydney without including the colourful character of John Ibrahim,” said Watts, a three-time Archibald finalist,’’ Mr Watts said.
“Kings Cross was once the centre of Sydney, the heart of our nightlife, a place where we got together to have a good time. If those days are gone, then Ibrahim was the Last King of the Cross,’’ he added.
The subject himself, John Ibrahim said he was honoured the artists had been chosen but couldn’t help crack a joke.
“I’m thrilled to be a part, even in a small way, of such a prestigious event... I wonder whether J.F. Archibald will be rolling in his grave, or giving the big thumbs up,’’ he said on Thursday.
The announcement was made on Thursday morning at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), where the 57 finalists for this year’s Archibald Prize were unveiled.
There are 57 in total, selected from a pool of 1005 entries.
Oliver Watts’ subject is former nightclub owner and Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim, whose autobiography Last King of the Cross has been adapted for television.
Watts initially made contact with Ibrahim through some friends who were working on the second series of the television drama.
“I placed him in his old stomping ground. Set on Kellett Street after dark, the portrait uses the style of a British society portrait,’ Watts said.
“Ibrahim looks confident and assured, like an alternative nightly king.”
After he was awarded the Packing Room Prize, Adnate said: “With this portrait, I aimed to encapsulate the journey of my dear friend Baker Boy from his roots as a young Indigenous performer from Arnhem Land to the music icon he has become today.
“Our connection has spanned over a decade, with me painting him on multiple murals and canvases, and him performing at my events.”
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