Congratulations, Katherine Hattam (’73) who is a finalist in this year’s Archibald Prize for her portrait of friend and writer, Helen Garner, Helen Garner Speaks French, mixed media on linen.

Speaking about the portrait, Katherine explains, “in her books, Helen creates a niche from which to write about contemporary life; a space between fiction and non-fiction. For her, the personal, the psychological and the domestic are the trusted lens through which she sees the world,” says Hattam.

“In a different way, I too have created a niche, an in-between space from which to combine painting, drawing, text and collage.”

“Helen and I have spent time in one another’s kitchens. It was while visiting her house for our first sitting that I saw the form for this portrait. Observing her having a cup of tea, looking directly ahead, confident and engaged, one arm on the table as chooks pecked outside the curved window, I knew how I should depict her.”

The Archibald Prize is awarded annually to the best portrait, ‘preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia.

Congratulations to Katherine for such a remarkable achievement and wonderful acknowledgement of your talents.