The 2024 Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious portrait award, has once again ignited conversations and sparked debates with its eclectic mix of subjects and styles. Among the notable entries, Shaun Gladwell’s portrait of Julian Assange stands out, capturing the essence of a controversial figure whose story has exposed the USA’s attempts to silence their critics.
The Archibald Prize 2024 was won by Laura Jones for her portrait of author Tim Winton. Northern NSW-based artist Matt Adnate won the 2024 Archibald Packing Room Prize with his portrait of Yolngu rapper Baker Boy. The former street artist spent three weeks painting the portrait in Melbourne, where Baker Boy, whose real name is Danzal Baker, resides.
The Story Behind Shaun Gladwell’s Portrait of Julian Assange
‘Julian changed my worldview 14 years ago. After returning from Afghanistan as Australia’s official war artist, I was shocked by WikiLeaks’ 2010 video Collateral murder,’ says Gladwell.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Gladwell’s portrait is the story behind its creation. To capture Assange’s likeness, Gladwell had to navigate the stringent security protocols of Belmarsh Prison, where Assange is held.
The artist brought banknotes and chocolate bars, seemingly mundane items that took on symbolic significance in the prison setting.
“HMP Belmarsh didn’t allow me to bring anything except £25 for the canteen! When I was refused a pencil and paper, Julian suggested I sketch him with chocolate on a banknote. Despite the oppressive surroundings, it was wonderful to see Julian smile. He champions freedom, truth and peace. Let us now champion the freedom of this incredible human being,” Shaun Gladwell said.
In an innovative and poignant move, Gladwell melted a chocolate bar in his hand and used the melted chocolate to draw Assange’s likeness on a banknote. For this task, he grew his fingernail specifically to etch the details.
This creative act was not just a method of sketching but also a symbolic gesture, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary in a setting marked by restriction and surveillance.
Shaun Gladwell: Artistic Techniques and Interpretation
Shaun Gladwell’s approach to this portrait is both modern and timeless. Utilizing a subdued color palette, the painting draws the viewer’s attention to Assange’s facial expression and posture.
Assange eyes are reminiscent of Sidney Nolan’s series of 26 paintings of the nineteenth-century bushranger Ned Kelly.
The story of drawing Assange’s likeness in chocolate on a banknote reminds us of Banjo Paterson’s line in Clancy of the Overflow “written in a thumbnail dipped in tar.”
Shaun Gladwell: Public Reception and Impact
The inclusion of Julian Assange’s portrait in the Archibald Prize has predictably sparked a range of reactions. Supporters of Assange view the artwork as a powerful statement on freedom of speech and the right to information.
There’s no denying that Gladwell’s portrait has succeeded in stirring discussion and reflection. It underscores the role of art in society as a catalyst for conversation and a mirror to our collective consciousness.
Shaun Gladwell Books, available through Amazon
Shaun Gladwell: Videowork 2007
Shaun Gladwell: Stereo Sequences 2011
Shaun Gladwell: Perpetual 360 Sessions 2011
Shaun Gladwell: Cycles of Radical Will 2013
DOUBLE WAR: SHAUN GLADWELL: Visual Culture and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq 2013
The Archibald Prize: A Platform for Provocation
The Archibald Prize has a long history of featuring works that provoke thought and debate. Gladwell’s entry continues this tradition, reminding us that portraiture is not just about capturing likeness but also about encapsulating the essence of the subject and the zeitgeist of the times.
In a world where the lines between information and misinformation are increasingly blurred, Gladwell’s portrait of Julian Assange serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire.
Shaun Gladwell’s portrait of Julian Assange at the 2024 Archibald Prize is more than just a depiction of a controversial figure; it is an invitation to engage with the complexities of our modern world. Through his thoughtful and evocative artwork, Gladwell encourages us to look deeper, question more, and appreciate the nuanced narratives that shape our society.
As the Archibald Prize continues to showcase a diverse array of portraits, it is entries like Gladwell’s that highlight the enduring relevance of portraiture in capturing the multifaceted nature of humanity.
Whether one views Assange as a hero, a villain, or something in between, Gladwell’s portrait challenges us to reflect on the broader implications of his story and our own roles in the ongoing dialogue about truth, justice, and freedom.
Shaun Gladwell: A Pioneering Artist Exploring the Intersection of Art, Technology, and Identity
Shaun Gladwell is an acclaimed Australian artist known for his innovative approach to contemporary art, often merging traditional media with digital technology to explore themes of identity, movement, and the human condition.
Born in Sydney in 1972, Gladwell’s work spans various forms, including video art, painting, sculpture, and performance, making him one of the most versatile and influential artists of his generation.
Shaun Gladwell: Early Life and Education
Gladwell’s artistic journey began in his youth, deeply influenced by the urban landscape of Sydney and his passion for skateboarding and street culture. He pursued formal education in the arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Sydney College of the Arts in 1996.
He later completed his Master of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales in 2001.
Shaun Gladwell: Breakthrough and International Recognition
Gladwell gained international recognition with his video work “Storm Sequence” (2000), which features the artist performing skateboard tricks against the backdrop of a turbulent Bondi Beach.
The piece is celebrated for its poetic juxtaposition of human skill and natural forces, establishing Gladwell’s reputation as an artist who deftly blends physicality with introspection.
His unique style and thematic focus have led to exhibitions worldwide, including prestigious venues such as the Venice Biennale, the Tate Modern in London, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
Gladwell’s work often challenges conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between the body, environment, and technology.
Shaun Gladwell: Artistic Themes and Techniques
Central to Gladwell’s oeuvre is the exploration of movement and the body’s interaction with space and time. His works frequently feature extreme sports, dance, and martial arts, capturing the fluidity and grace of physical expression.
Gladwell’s background in skateboarding and breakdancing informs his dynamic visual language, which is characterized by a blend of documentary realism and surrealist elements.
In addition to video art, Gladwell’s practice encompasses painting, sculpture, and virtual reality. He employs a variety of techniques and media to create immersive experiences that provoke thought and challenge perceptions.
His interdisciplinary approach often involves collaborations with dancers, athletes, and other artists, further enriching the depth and impact of his work.
Shaun Gladwell: Notable Works and Projects
Beyond “Storm Sequence,” Gladwell’s notable works include “Pataphysical Man” (2005), a video installation that explores the relationship between the human body and architectural spaces, and “MADDESTMAXIMVS” (2009), a series that delves into the Australian landscape and its cultural narratives through the lens of the Mad Max films.
In recent years, Gladwell has ventured into virtual reality with projects like “Orbital Vanitas” (2017), an immersive VR experience that contemplates mortality and the cosmos. His innovative use of technology continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, offering new ways for audiences to engage with complex themes.
Shaun Gladwell: Awards and Honors
Shaun Gladwell’s contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has been the recipient of the Anne & Gordon Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarship, the Australia Council Fellowship, and the Australia Council’s Visual Arts Board Grant. His work has also been acquired by major public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
Shaun Gladwell’s work continues to inspire and challenge audiences, pushing the limits of what art can convey and achieve. His ability to navigate and integrate different artistic disciplines and his commitment to exploring profound themes ensure that his legacy will endure in the annals of contemporary art.
As Gladwell continues to evolve his practice, his contributions to the art world remain invaluable, offering new perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience.
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Related stories on Julian Assange
1 The trial of Julian Assange exposes US Rules of Engagement
2 US Military killed two Reuters photographers in Iraq
3 The fix is in: Military investigation into deaths of Reuters staff in Iraq
4 Generals Brookes & Fox meet the Reuters editors
5 Military ignored FOI requests for video of deaths
6 Rules of Engagement between military & civilians
7 Assange: WikiLeaks release Collateral Murder video
8 Definitions, Resources, Transcripts, Apache details
9 Who, what, when and why of the Assange case
10 Wikileaks Collateral Murder video aftermath. Where are they now?
A quick update on the Julian Assange story
