Nicholas Harding David Marr

Nicholas Harding has painted journalist, author and social commentator David Marr. Harding says: ‘David has lived down the street since 1982, but I can’t remember when we met, most likely at a Rex Irwin Art Gallery exhibition opening.

‘David’s work has interested me since his days writing for The National Times and The Bulletin. As a journalist, he fearlessly shines a light on the skeletons in Australia’s sociopolitical closet; his biographies and essays are insightful and elegantly crafted. He remains forever an optimist, with a love for people, food, wine and the arts. Known for his progressive opinions, he is at heart a traditionalist – a life philosophy we share.

‘David first sat for me at his home in 2011, and sittings in my studio occurred occasionally in the years since. A number of portraits have been attempted, failed and destroyed. David has been a generous and patient sitter. This portrait was painted in my studio following “lockdown” meals together, using material gathered over the past nine years and memory.’

Harding is a self-taught painter who was born in London in 1956 and moved to Australia in 1965. This is his 19th time as a finalist in the Archibald Prize, which he won in 2001. He also won the People’s Choice award in 2005.