Kris Andrew Small’s subject is actor Will McDonald, whose screen credits include Heartbreak High and the forthcoming Thou Shalt Not Steal. He also appeared in Let the Right One In at Sydney’s Darlinghurst Theatre Company.

‘I wanted to paint Will as he is not only an incredible actor, but part of a new generation of artists, who tell stories that represent Australia without using the stereotypical norms we’ve become accustomed to. In 2024, we have more to say and so much diverse history to share through stories and images that are set in Australia, but feel accessible to a wide group of people here and overseas. I feel my work sits in that world too,’ says Small, a first-time Archibald finalist, based in Sydney.

Based in Sydney, Small’s work explodes with colour, typography, pattern and collage. He uses exuberant, abstract imagery to explore social issues, particularly to do with the queer community.

‘While this portrait is very much within my style, I wanted it to feel even more joyous and optimistic than normal,’ he says. ‘It suggests that the future of art in Australia is bright, energetic and diverse.’