Archibald Prize Reveals Touching Story

A Touch of Genius: Nerve Injury Inspires People's Choice Victory

Loribelle Spirovski, an artist based in Sydney, earned the 2025 ANZ People's Choice Award in the esteemed Archibald Prize competition. Her compelling depiction of musician and composer William Barton resonated deeply with audiences. This particular award is a major honor within Australia’s foremost portrait competition. It offers a unique window into the bond between an artist, their subject, and the gallery visitors. A record-setting 40,842 votes were cast, demonstrating the profound effect of Spirovski's creation. For the artist herself, the win was a moment of deep emotion.

The Winning Portrait

Spirovski’s victorious piece is called "Finger painting of William Barton," a title that points to her unconventional method. Because of a nerve condition that hindered her ability to use a paintbrush, she resorted to using her fingers. This resulted in an artwork that feels both grand and deeply personal. It presents the renowned Kalkadunga man and yidaki master in a moment of serene thought, his face brightened by a warm smile. The lively application of paint conveys a strong sense of connection. The piece is a triumph of both technique and feeling.

A Filipino-Australian Artist

In 1990, Loribelle Spirovski entered the world in Manila, Philippines. Her heritage is a mix of Filipino from her mother's side and Serbian from her father's. This dual background has greatly shaped her artistic work. At eight years old, Australia became her new home when her family moved in 1999. Stationed in Sydney, Spirovski is now a dedicated full-time artist. The distinct visual styles of her two homelands inform her pieces. Her art delves into concepts of identity and cultural background. This special viewpoint has established her as a significant voice in Australian art.

 Image Credit - 9 News

Artistic Journey

Her formal art education concluded in 2012 with a degree from a Sydney institution, the College of Fine Arts. She is, however, a largely self-instructed artist, which has enabled her to cultivate a truly unique style. Her path as a creator has been marked by unwavering commitment and continuous discovery. Her work has been selected as a finalist in the celebrated Archibald Prize on four separate occasions. Past entries showcased portraits of figures like John Bell, in addition to Meg and Amos. Such consistent acclaim underscores her skill and position in the Australian art world.

A Unique Style

Spirovski's art is significantly shaped by her combined European and Asian ancestry. Her official website notes that the vivid, dissimilar visuals from both nations she considers home are a source of inspiration. This sense of duality is a constant motif in her creations. Her portraits are celebrated for their expressive nature and emotional weight. She possesses a remarkable ability to capture the internal essence of the people she paints. Her approach avoids photorealism, aiming instead to reveal a more profound truth. It's a method that captivates and challenges viewers, earning praise from the public and critics alike.

Previous Archibald Success

This year's public recognition is a huge achievement for Spirovski, yet the Archibald Prize is familiar territory for her. Her work has been featured among the finalists four times prior to this victory. In 2017, she was in the running for her depiction of John Bell. She was also a finalist in both 2018 and 2019. Her continued presence among the top contenders shows the great respect the art community has for her work. It also highlights her tenacity and commitment to her practice.

A Painter's Challenge

Spirovski has confronted a major personal obstacle in recent years. She has been managing thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that brings about nerve pain in her arms and hands. This made gripping a paintbrush for any length of time an arduous and painful activity. For any painter, such a condition is a severe setback. The physical ordeal also had an emotional impact, leading her to reconsider her identity as an artist. It represented a challenging time, affecting both her personal and professional life. A new method for creating art was necessary.

A Moment of Inspiration

The catalyst for her prize-winning portrait was the music of its subject, William Barton. While in her studio getting ready to paint Barton, Spirovski put on his piece "Birdsong at dusk." Once the music started to fill the space, a change occurred. She intuitively set her brush down. The melody guided her hand, and she began applying the smooth, yielding paint with her finger. It was an action of pure instinct. The music appeared to present a completely new creative pathway.

Painting Without Brushes

Once she put the brush down, Spirovski found that the act of painting was almost entirely without pain. This different approach was a release. She increased the volume of Barton's music, allowing it to direct her movements. The artwork seemed to emerge on its own. She conveyed a feeling of vitality that had been absent for a great while. The experience was both joyful and energizing. She had discovered a way to make art again, unhindered by her physical limitations. This renewed sense of liberty is evident in the final piece.

 Image Credit - Sydney Travel Guide

The Subject: William Barton

William Barton is a globally celebrated Indigenous Australian musical artist. He is a master of the yidaki, an instrument also called the didgeridoo. As a proud Kalkadunga man, Barton is a composer and producer who has redefined the possibilities for his instrument. He has done this through groundbreaking efforts that fuse the yidaki with both classical and modern music forms. His performances have graced stages with orchestras across the globe. Barton serves as a cultural representative for his heritage and nation.

A Cultural Ambassador

Barton is on a mission to bring the planet's most ancient culture to a worldwide stage. He has stated a desire to merge the world's oldest traditions with the rich musical history of Europe. His music acts as a strong link connecting different cultures. He has altered how the yidaki is perceived, showing its adaptability and its capacity to stir audiences. His creations celebrate his background and stand as a powerful affirmation of enduring Indigenous Australian culture. His partnership with Spirovski has carried his narrative to an even larger audience.

The Fateful Meeting

The initial encounter between Spirovski and William Barton occurred last October. They came together at a concert where Barton was featured. Spirovski's spouse, the pianist Simon Tedeschi, was also performing. Barton's presence immediately captivated Spirovski. She felt a compelling urge to capture his likeness. The bond was immediate and deep. This fortuitous meeting started the sequence of events that culminated in her award-winning artwork. It represented a sublime meeting of music and visual art.

Barton's Perspective

William Barton felt a great sense of honor in being depicted by Spirovski. He lauded her "magic" and her skill in capturing something beyond a mere physical image. He explained that the artwork represents more than just himself; it embodies the spirit of Kalkadunga Country and originates from a hallowed place. He was deeply moved that a popular vote selected his portrait for this specific award. His comments highlight the cooperative essence of the artwork, a piece that shares a story both intimate and universal.

Australia's Premier Portrait Prize

Australia's top honor for portraiture is the Archibald Prize. Established in 1925, it possesses a storied 104-year legacy. The award is given for the finest portrait of an individual "distinguished in art, letters, science or politics" created by a resident of Australia. Each year, the exhibition is hosted by a major Sydney gallery. The winner's announcement is a landmark occasion on the Australian cultural scene. The award has served as a launchpad for the careers of numerous artists.

The People's Voice

The People's Choice component of the Archibald Prize was first established in 1988. It has evolved into one of the competition's most anticipated categories. Presenting partner ANZ supports the award. This year, an unprecedented 40,842 exhibition attendees submitted their choice. This marks the largest vote count in the award's 37-year span. This particular award provides a compelling look into public artistic preferences and celebrates the bond between art and those who view it.

The Main Prize

Julie Fragar became the 13th female recipient in the award's extensive history, securing the A$100,000 (£48,700) main prize. Her victorious portrait was of another artist, Justene Williams. The piece, named "Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)," shows Williams drifting amid the stars while her daughter observes. It is a potent and layered creation examining themes of motherhood and the creative spirit. Fragar has been a finalist in the competition four times.

The Packing Room Prize

The Archibald competition also includes an award known as the Packing Room Prize. This honor is decided by the personnel who unpack, handle, and hang the submitted artworks at the gallery. This year, Abdul Abdullah received the prize for his depiction of Jason Phu, also an artist. The artwork is named "No mountain high enough." This specific prize gives a unique viewpoint on the Archibald submissions and is frequently regarded as a more grounded selection than the main prize. ANZ provides the winner with $5,000.

An Emotional Triumph

For Loribelle Spirovski, securing the People's Choice honor was a moving and fulfilling moment. She expressed elation over the public's selection of her piece. She described the victory as a welcome comfort and vindication following a challenging period. Her immense gratitude went to William Barton for the opportunity to create his portrait. The public's reaction to her piece left her feeling deeply humbled. The award stands as a tribute to her persistence and steadfast devotion to her artistic work.

Challenging Perceptions

Spirovski's winning piece moves away from the realistic portrayals of famous individuals that frequently secure the public's vote. Her more interpretive and emotionally resonant approach won over the audience. She found it "heartening" that Australian viewers would embrace something more demanding if it was emotionally engaging. Her victory questions established ideas about what constitutes a popular portrait. It indicates that audiences are receptive to a more personal and expressive form of art.

What Lies Ahead

Loribelle Spirovski receives $5,000 for her victory. She aims to be a contender again in the exhibition next year. The Art Gallery of NSW will feature the finalists from the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman prizes on display through August 17. Following this, the exhibition will embark on a tour of regional galleries. This tour will allow more individuals to witness Spirovski's incredible portrait of William Barton. It is an artwork that has already resonated with thousands. Its impact continues to grow.