Archibald winning artist Craig Ruddy dies weeks after David Gulpilil

Archibald-winning Australian artist Craig Ruddy has died of Covid complications just weeks after the passing of his famous subject David Gulpilil.

The Australian art community is in shock after the death of Archibald Prize winner Craig Ruddy, just weeks after the tragic loss of his most famous subject, David Gulpilil.

Ruddy, 53, died in the arms of his longtime partner Roberto Meza Mont at their Byron Bay home after succumbing to complications from Covid-19.

The acclaimed Australian artist was most famous for his 2004 Archibald Prize winning charcoal portrait of actor David Gulpilil, who lost his battle with terminal lung cancer on November 29. He also won the Archibald people’s choice prize that year, and again in 2010, for his portrait of Warwick Thornton. He was an Archibald finalist in 2011 and 2020, for his portraits of Cathy Freeman and Bruce Pascoe.

Craig Ruddy with his subject film producer Warwick Thornton.

“It is with the heaviest of tender hearts we let you know that last night Craig left his body peacefully at home in Roberto’s arms,” a statement on Ruddy’s social media pages read. “We have lost the most divine human that gave so much to our communities, the creativity, the inspiration, the pure love and plenty of dance.

“Let’s remember him as he was always wanted to be remembered. We ask over these next few days a quietening within, to light a candle & play the music that moves you softly.”

It comes just five days after Ruddy’s partner of 20 years posted a photo of the couple ringing in the new year together.

“Happy new year 2022 from Australia,” it was captioned.

In a profile in the Northern Rivers Review, Ruddy spoke of the rare lung condition he was diagnosed with as a child.

“It slowed me down and put me into a strange euphoric state,” he said. “As a result, I learned to sit and observe.”

Archibald winner Craig Ruddy has died of Covid aged 53.

He started his career studying design and fashion illustration in Sydney before a successful career as a landscape gardener, designer and art director.

However he quit to pursue his passion for art.

Just three years later he won the $35,000 Archibald Prize for his portrait of his good friend, Gulpilil.

Artist Craig Ruddy, pictured with his 2004 Archibald Prize-winning portrait of Aboriginal actor David Gulpillil at Sotherbys in Sydney.

His win was challenged in court by artists Tony Johansen, who claimed the portrait was his but the case was dismissed by the NSW Supreme Court.

Actress Isabel Lucas was among those to pay tribute.

“We are sending so much love. We are so so sorry to hear this,” she wrote.

Ruddy recently commented on the death of his friend, Gulpilil, describing him as strong, resilient and cheeky.

“My first awareness of David was in the memorable film Walkabout where his appearance captured my imagination and bridged my connection to our First Nations People,” he wrote. “From that moment onwards, his powerful presence has been deeply tangled in my consciousness. Through Walkabout and Storm Boy, David became a profound figure that I looked up to and admired for his charisma, strength and cinematic magnetism.

Craig Ruddy and Roberto Meza Mont.

Craig Ruddy and David Gulpilil.

“I was so honoured and grateful when I got to meet him in person to celebrate his being and each subsequent meeting fuelled the honour, respect and admiration I have for him. David was a brilliant artist in every sense of the word, and his great legacy will continue to bring us joy and laughter,” he said.