James Packer responds to his Archibald portrait by Dee Smarts
Billionaire James Packer reacts to his Archibald portrait of Dee Smarts as he discusses the artist’s explanation that it captured his ‘imperfections’
A portrait of billionaire businessman James Packer is included in the 2023 Archibald Prize.
Although he initially didn’t want his face painted, the 55-year-old agreed as a favor to longtime friend, actress and artist Dee Smart.
Speaking of the portrait The Sydney Morning Herald, Dee said it shows off “the Packer features,” including his “nice lips” and “hooded eyes.”
She added: ‘[His face is] saying, “What do you want from me? This is what I am. I’m not going to strive to be all those other things.
“Like it or not. This is me. I’m not perfect. I’m so far from perfect, and I’m fine with it.”
A portrait of billionaire businessman James Packer (pictured) is included in the 2023 Archibald Prize
Although he initially didn’t want his face painted, the 55-year-old agreed as a favor to longtime friend, actress and artist Dee Smart.
While he was initially unenthusiastic about the idea of ββDee painting him, James later told the publication that he’s happy with how she painted his vulnerabilities.
He said, “I’m happy with Dee’s portrait and happy with what she said.”
The prestigious Archibald Prize is an annual competition awarded by the NSW Art Gallery for the best portrait of a person of distinction in art, science or politics.
The artist who wins the coveted prize will be called a ‘who’s who’ of Australian culture and will be awarded $100,000.
Speaking of the portrait to the Sydney Morning Herald, Dee (pictured) said it shows off “the Packer features,” including his “beautiful lips” and “hooded eyes”
A portrait of pop star Dannii Minogue also entered this year’s competition.
The 51-year-old was painted by artist Nunzio Miano and she said she was delighted with the portrait.
“I loved the creative process and I’m thrilled with the end result,” the hitmaker told The Announce sun on Wednesday.
“Nunzio really captured my energy and those eyes… wow, it’s like staring into a mirror.”
The artist described the collaboration with Dannii as ‘an honor’.
“I described it as the aligned stars,” he said.
βWe’ve become friends over the years through fashion and she exudes this energy and she’s someone I admire and love Australia. I always say she’s Australian royalty and part of our fabric.’
A portrait of pop star Dannii Minogue (pictured) also entered this year’s competition
The 51-year-old was painted by artist Nunzio Miano (photos) and Dannii said she was delighted with the portrait