Portrait Of Kate Ceberano Takes Out Highly Regarded Art Prize

A portrait of Australian music royalty Kate Ceberano has taken out the prestigious Packing Room Prize at this year's Archibald Prize ceremony.

Created by renowned portrait artist Kathrin Longhurst, the oil on linen piece depicts Ceberano on a red background and was originally intended to act as the cover art for the 2021 release Sweet Inspiration.

"Although the album cover deadline had expired, we decided to paint the portrait to create a record of Kate at this important moment in her life, and as a legacy for her daughter," Longhurst said of the experience. 

"In 2020, the pandemic decimated the entertainment industry. The extended lockdown in Melbourne had devastating consequences for Kate and many of her fellow performers. But it ended up being an enormous year of growth and personal breakthroughs for her, culminating in her decision to move her family to Sydney to chase the work."

"I feel the painting expressed my concern for the future. But I still feel strong, like a proud 'Mohican'," Ceberano said in her official statement. 

"The sitting relaxed and allowed me to share this with Katherine. And I'm so pleased that she has captured all of this on canvas."

Check out the portrait below.