Paul Newton Maggie Tabberer 2020

This painting is Paul Newton’s second Archibald Prize finalist portrait of fashion, publishing and media personality Maggie Tabberer AM. ‘I remember being struck by Maggie’s powerful visual presence; an intriguing mixture of strength and sensuality,’ he says of his first portrait sitting with Tabberer in 1999. ‘I’d often thought of approaching her again using the original composition as a starting point for something new. So earlier this year, before COVID-19 hit, I got together with Maggie, now in her mid 80s (though just as elegant and beautiful as ever), to work with her again on this new portrait. I was again drawn to the simplicity and graphic quality of this sort of composition; her strong presence needing nothing else to support her.’

Born in Sydney in 1961, Newton completed a science degree at the University of Sydney before studying at the Julian Ashton Art School. This is the 14th time he has been an Archibald Prize finalist. He won both the People’s Choice Award and Packing Room Prize in 2001 for his double portrait Roy and HG and the Packing Room Prize in 1996 for his portrait of radio host John Laws. He has twice won the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition.