Arts
As it happened: Laura Jones wins Archibald Prize with portrait of author Tim Winton
It’s arguably the biggest day on the arts calendar in Australia and this year’s pool of finalists is suitably impressive.
- by Helen Pitt and Nick Galvin
Latest
Locked up at 16, this former inmate now runs tours of the prison he spent years in
Chris Austin was one of the first people incarcerated in Jika Jika, Pentridge Prison’s notorious maximum-security division. It’s where he witnessed his first murder.
- by John Bailey
Exclusive
Visual art
The painting a prime minister tried to ban
June Mendoza’s painting of John Gorton caused a sensation when it was unveiled. She remains the only woman to have painted an official portrait of an Australian prime minister.
- by Rob Harris
Why India’s Shekhawati region will leave you gasping
More than 20 villages scattered across this part of Rajasthan have painted Shekhawati havelis, the largest open-air art gallery in India.
- by Michael Gebicki
Thousands of small, coloured straws help make top design prize winner
More and more design is appearing in galleries – and commanding big money – as this show at Melbourne Design Week attests.
- by Ray Edgar
Threatened youth theatre company’s tale of two tribes
An idea born out of lockdown has become the latest production of St Martins Youth Arts Centre. It’s about saving the world, but can it save the centre?
- by Stephen A Russell
Opinion
Opinion
Gina, I, too, have suffered an unflattering image, and yes, it burns
The art world has apparently had a gutful of celebs trying to bury unflattering portraits. Australia’s richest person could learn from King Charles, who took his latest mauling on the chin.
- by Bianca O'Neill
Can Virginia Trioli’s new show fix the ABC’s arts problem?
The much-loved broadcaster is back with a new show highlighting Australia’s high-profile creative talent.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Always wondered what Kevin McCloud’s house is like? You’ll never know
The surprisingly reticent Grand Designs host would rather be sitting on a tractor than talking to us.
- by Richard Jinman
December reads: Twelve books for Christmas my true love might give to me
Here are 12 books out this month.
- by Jason Steger
Sister act: WA’s much-loved drama queens finally work together
Mandy and Hayley McElhinney have been on stage and screen for decades, yet it took their own play for them to team up.
- by Mark Naglazas