Stand up close to some familiar faces at this year’s Archibald Prize
For self-taught North Narrabeen artist Stephanie Galloway Brown, having her painting chosen as a finalist in the 2026 Archibald Prize is ‘a huge honour.’ “I can’t explain the feeling, it’s just the pinnacle of excitement and you feel there’s a real acceptance of your work,” she says.
Stephanie’s oil on canvas portrait, Layne Beachley AO, is currently on exhibition alongside 58 other portraits at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney, all chosen as finalists from a pool of 1034 artworks. This is Stephanie’s second time as an Archibald Prize finalist, with her portrait of artist Kathrin Longhurst earning her a spot in the 2024 exhibition.
The 138cm x 102cm oil on linen painting is one of the biggest paintings Stephanie has ever done and captures Queenscliff local and seven-time world champion surfer Layne Beachley.
While inspired by Layne’s sporting achievements, Stephanie was interested in how Layne had ‘transitioned her life to become an empowering speaker, a positive role model…helping people achieve their dreams,’ as co-founder of the Awake Academy. She requested Layne wear one of her Awake Academy T-shirts to her portrait sitting, complete with a positive quote that resonated with her the most. “When she came, she was wearing this ‘Be where your feet are’ T-shirt, and I thought, ‘That’s perfect!’”
The artist says she has Layne standing comfortably in the painting, like she’s ready to have a conversation with the viewer, with the ocean behind her. “It’s now hanging where a lot of people are going to go past, read her story and connect with the portrait,” she says.
Stephanie’s painting is on display at the Art Gallery of NSW until 16 August, alongside the other finalists in the Archibald Prize. Also on exhibit are the finalists in the Wynne Prize, for Australian landscape painting and figurative sculpture; and the Sulman Prize, for subject painting, genre painting and mural projects. The Young Archie exhibit features artworks by those aged five to 18.
Artist Stephanie Galloway Brown is an Archibald Prize finalist
Beatrice Gralton, Art Gallery of NSW curator of 2026 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes says the exhibition is ‘a moment for portraiture to share the stories of people who have captured the imagination and ambition of our artists.’
ARCHIBALD, WYNNE AND SULMAN PRIZES 2026
Until 16th August
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
Youth $10, adults $25+
