On May 9, 2025, Brisbane artist Julie Fragar was awarded the prestigious $100,000 Archibald Prize for her portrait of fellow artist Justene Williams, chosen unanimously from 904 entries.

Art Gallery director Maud Page praised Fragar's work for its technical and psychological depth, noting the strong connection between Fragar and Williams.

The winning portrait, titled 'Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene),' features Williams depicted as a master conjurer in a multiverse of characters and performance, symbolizing her artistic contributions.

In the artwork, Williams is portrayed floating among the stars, with a small figure of her daughter observing, representing the bond between motherhood and art.

This year's Archibald Prize set a record with 2,394 entries across major art prizes, with women artists comprising over 70% of the finalists.

Fragar described Williams as an 'incredibly trusting subject,' emphasizing her desire to capture the energy and essence of her subjects in her portraits.

Page emphasized the Archibald's role in celebrating community and the emotional impact of art during her opening remarks at the award ceremony.

The competition featured 57 finalists, all of whom required at least one live sitting, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent.

The finalists' works will be exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from May 10 to August 17, 2025, before touring various locations in 2026.

Fragar's win marks a significant moment in the award's history, as she becomes the 13th woman to receive the Archibald Prize since its inception in 1921, highlighting a growing recognition of female artists.

Expressing disbelief and joy, Fragar reflected on her journey from a 17-year-old art student to an Archibald Prize winner, emphasizing the honor of the award.

Fragar's creative process involved one sitting for photographs and three months of studio work, with Williams seeing the portrait for the first time at the award announcement.