On Thursday, the Art Gallery of NSW unveiled this year’s 57 Archibald Prize finalists, and among them is artist Kim Leutwyler’s oil on canvas portrait of Zoe Terakes, an Australian trans masculine and non-binary actor. This is the seventh time that Leutwyler has been selected as a finalist in this prestigious art prize that honors portraits depicting individuals distinguished in art, letters, science or politics.
In her statement about the portrait, Leutwyler emphasized the importance of standing up for and with the trans and gender-diverse community, particularly in the face of the constant stream of new threats to their rights and lives. For her, this portrait is a love letter to trans beauty and joy.
Terakes, known for their TV work in Wentworth and Nine Perfect Strangers and an upcoming role in the Marvel series Ironheart, expressed their honor and pride at being the subject of Leutwyler’s portrait and for its selection as a finalist in the Archibald Prize.
This year’s finalists also include Michael Simms’ portrait of queer Electric Fields singer Zaachariaha Fielding and Jason Jowett’s portrait of independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.
In addition to the selection of the finalists, the Art Gallery of NSW also announced that Cairns artist Andrea Huelin won this year’s Archibald Packing Room Prize with her portrait of comedian Cal Wilson.
The exhibition of all the 2023 Archibald Prize finalists will run from May 6 to September 3 at the Art Gallery of NSW. Leutwyler’s portrait of Terakes adds to the visibility of transgender individuals in the art world and provides a platform to celebrate their beauty and talent.