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Congratulations to first time finalist Jaq Grantford who has been awarded the ANZ People’s Choice for the 2023 Archibald Prize with her portrait of Noni Hazlehurst.
Melbourne-based Grantford set out to portray Hazlehurst’s signature energy and warmth. The result is a captivating portrait of Hazlehurst, who is depicted smiling and gazing through a rain-flecked window – a nod to her Play School days. Grantford explains that the symbols drawn onto the window are symbols for safety and protection, ‘not just for her, but for everyone in these uncertain times’.
Winner Archibald Prize 2023 ANZ People’s Choice award: Jaq Grantford , Through the window, oil on canvas, 170 x 131.6cm. © the artist. Photograph: © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter
“It’s such an incredible honour to win the People’s Choice award and a real testament to how beloved Noni is. She is such a delightful person, and I love how people’s faces light up when they mention her name. She has a real magic about her,” said Grantford.
‘I love her passion for the things she believes in, and she has a wonderful depth to her – an empathetic, credible face as a presenter and a sensitive and insightful actor. To try to capture Noni on canvas was an absolute joy. I feel very humbled that people connected with the portrait and how Noni was portrayed. A most heartfelt thank you to all those who voted.”
