Matt Adnate wins 2024 Packing Room Prize for portrait of Baker Boy

A portrait of an Aussie star has taken out the prestigious Packing Room Prize ahead of the 2024 Archibald Prize.

A portrait of ARIA Award winning Yolngu rapper, dancer, artist and actor Baker Boy has taken out the prestigious 2024 Packing Room Prize.

The Rhythms of heritage portrait by NSW Northern Rivers-based artist Matt Adnate was selected from 57 finalists in this year’s annual Archibald Prize.

The $3000 Packing Room Prize is judged and awarded by Art Gallery of NSW staff who receive, unpack and hang the entries.

Matt Adnate was awarded the Archibald Packing Room Prize for his portrait of Baker Boy at he Art Gallery of NSW on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Mr Adnate said he was “absolutely stoked” to win the Packing Room Prize 2024 for his portrait of his friend Baker Boy, who is also known as Danzal Baker.

“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,” he said.

“I have always been inspired by music as it can help me channel and evoke strong emotion into my work.

“It gives me the energy to keep painting, from canvases in my studio to large-scale murals.

“I’m in awe of artists like Baker Boy who have the power to use music to transform people’s mood, mind and energy.”

Matt Adnate says he’s ‘stoked’ to win the Packer’s Prize. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“It was an honour to paint him again and capture the intensity of his music.

“It has been incredible to watch Baker Boy evolving into a multi-talented and award-winning artist over the last decade, cementing his legacy as an Australian music icon.”

One of the judging staff, Monica Rudhar, said the portrait highly impressed the broader Packing Room team.

“Matt Adnate is an incredible Australian street artist renowned for his large mural paintings,” judge

“His portrait of singer-songwriter Baker Boy in his signature style is characterised by grand scale, vivid colours and a gaze that draws you in.

“Matt and Baker Boy are both highly accomplished in their respective fields and share a mutual recognition of each other’s talents.

“Matt’s powerful portrait encapsulates Baker Boy as the inspirational Indigenous storyteller that he is, mirroring the joy and hope that his music brings to the world.’”

Matt Adnate with the packing room judges Timothy, Monica and Alexis. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Mr Adnate said his use of spray paint and graffiti techniques allowed him to have “the most control” when painting portraits.

“It’s been a challenge to maintain my own technique and resist the pressure to use oils or more traditional mediums,” he said.

“I’ve always considered the Archibald to be the pinnacle of art prizes, especially for portraiture.

“To win the Packing Room Prize with a portrait that is so significant to me, and to be the first street artist to do so, it really pushes me further”

Baker Boy said he was proud to have been painted by Mr Adnate for multiple murals and portraits over the years.

“It’s unreal to see how he captures me as I am today, reflecting my love for music and a deep connection to my home of Arnhem Land, seen through the soulful reflection in the eyes,” he said.

Last year, Mr Adnate’s portrait of Silverchair frontman and musician, Daniel Johns, was also selected as an Archibald Prize finalist.

This year, 57 works have been named finalists the Archibald,

The winners of the Archibald will be announced on June 7, alongside the winners of the Wynne and Sulman prizes.