This Just In: Contemporary Queensland Artist Michael Zavros Wins Archibald People's Choice 2026 with Portrait of His Doppelganger
The hyperrealist oil painting scored a record-breaking People's Choice vote.
The results of the Archibald Prize 2026 — Australian portraitists' version of the World Cup — are in.
This year, seven-time Archibald Prize finalist and acclaimed artist Michael Zavros bagged the Archibald Prize ANZ People's Choice award with a portrait of a man who looks uncannily like him. But Alex with his tefillin in the sea, which drew a record-breaking 45,769 votes, depicts more than just mere coincidence.
The hyperrealist oil painting captures Alex Ryvchin, a lawyer, antisemitism advocate and leader of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, standing in a secluded Sydney bay that symbolises migration, identity and shared memories. Ryvchin also holds a tefillin in the portrait, a Jewish ritual object inscribed with Torah verses that nods to faith, tradition and the role cultural symbols play in society.
Zavro began following Ryvchin after noticing their similarities. His family and friends would discuss his national television appearances, only to realise it was Ryvchin they saw. Plus, they were both dads of three children. A recent DNA test also revealed Zavros has Jewish ancestors mixed into his Greek and Irish heritage.
"By a strange connection — a physical likeness — I found common ground with Alex and realised that what unites us as Australians is far more powerful than what divides us," Zavros says. "It is truly humbling that the work has resonated so strongly with audiences at the exhibition."
Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Maud Page confirms that the "beauty and sensitivity" have made it very popular amongst visitors — and its hyperreal art style speaks to something deeper than aesthetics. "At its heart, the portrait is about connection between artist and sitter, but also between communities, and Australians seeking to better understand one another," he says.
Archibald Prize artworks are currently on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Visit the website to find out more.
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