Artist Vincent Fantauzzo was thrilled on the eve of the 2008 Archibald Prize, having learned that his portrait of the late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger was about to win the prestigious award. The anticipation of receiving such recognition filled him with immense excitement and pride.
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03-03, 2025However, at the awards ceremony the next day, Fantauzzo was deeply disappointed when he only received a Highly Commended award, while Sydney artist Del Kathryn Barton won the grand prize. This shocking revelation is disclosed in Fantauzzo's upcoming autobiography, "Unveiled." The unexpected turn of events left Fantauzzo questioning the fairness of the judging process.
Fantauzzo added in his book that he was informed after the awards ceremony that a corporate sponsor had objected to Ledger's painting winning because it was "too controversial." In response, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the trustee of the Archibald Prize, stated that "this is new information to the Art Gallery of NSW" and is inconsistent with the usual judging process for winners. The gallery emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the award.
Ledger, born in Perth and known for his roles in "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Dark Knight," died of an accidental drug overdose two months before the Archibald Prize winner was announced. Fantauzzo said that the day before the awards ceremony, then-Art Gallery Director Edmund Capon pulled him aside, poured him a vodka, and said, "Tomorrow, you're going to win the Archibald." He recalled, "After a couple of drinks and some warm words from Edmund, I walked out into The Domain at dusk and felt like I was on top of the world. Ecstatic doesn't even begin to describe how I felt." The moment was a highlight in his career, filled with hope and promise.
Fantauzzo said that his expectations were shattered the next day when he did not win the prize and was instead awarded the Highly Commended. He said Capon later apologized, telling him that the corporate sponsor of the awards at the time was appalled at the prospect of awarding the painting the prize. "They made a business decision. It's as simple as that," Fantauzzo quoted Capon as saying. Ledger's painting was deeply loved by the public and was voted the winner of the People's Choice Award, the first of four such awards Fantauzzo has received. At the time, the Art Gallery stated that the portrait helped double the annual exhibition's attendance to 60,000 people. The public's adoration for the artwork was undeniable.
Fantauzzo, 47, told "Australian Story" that he has long since moved past the initial disappointment of not winning the grand prize. "I don't want to sound ungrateful because I'm so grateful for what [the Archibald Prize] has given me and what it's given other people," he said. "It's done wonders for my career." The Art Gallery said in a statement that sponsors have no influence or involvement in the judging process. "The final judging of the Archibald Prize is conducted privately by the Gallery's Trustees early on the morning of the announcement, with the winner then notified shortly after," the statement said, reinforcing the independence of the decision-making.
Fantauzzo, a friend of Ledger's, refused "huge offers" for the painting and gifted it to Ledger's mother, Sally, who decided to donate it to the Art Gallery. But Fantauzzo claims in his book that the painting has not been exhibited at the Art Gallery since the Archibald Prize. However, the Art Gallery said that it was on display in the upper galleries of the Art Gallery from July 2015 to February 2016. Ledger's father, Kim Ledger, told "Australian Story" that he would like to see the painting exhibited at the Art Gallery. The family's desire is for the artwork to be accessible to the public.
"It still exists, but we've never really seen it on display over the years," Mr. Ledger said. "I think it's a piece that could celebrate both artists, celebrate Heath and Vincent." Mr. Ledger revealed that he even tried to buy back the donated portrait from the Art Gallery but was refused. "The reception was a little cold," he said. The painting, titled "Heath," features three separate images of the actor—the central one looking straight ahead, his face resolute and weathered, while figures on either side whisper in his ear. The composition captures the complexity and depth of Ledger's character.
Fantauzzo emailed the nearly finished portrait to Ledger the night before he was found dead in New York, planning to do some finishing touches the next day. Fantauzzo woke up to the news of his friend's death. It is unknown whether Ledger, 28, opened the email. Fantauzzo sought permission from Ledger's parents to enter the painting in the Archibald Prize, as Ledger had wished. The artwork became a poignant tribute to the actor's life and legacy.
"Heath's mum wanted it to be shared and be on public display," Fantauzzo told "Australian Story." "We explained that to the Art Gallery... I think it's somewhere in the basement. I'm not sure why." The portrait has been exhibited in the "Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures" exhibition in Perth and Canberra. The Art Gallery of New South Wales said that many paintings are kept in storage due to limited exhibition space. "We look forward to exhibiting the painting again in the future," the statement said, offering hope for its future display.
Watch Vincent Fantauzzo's "Australian Story: Home Truths," Monday, February 24 at 8pm (AEDT) on ABCTV and ABC iview.
