By Natasha Fujimoto
As we all applaud (and thank our lucky stars) for the Shepparton Art Museum’s hosting of the prestigious Archibald Prize 2026 exhibition, it seems only fitting that visitors can also experience another portrait collection celebrating people much closer to home.
Hanging on Level 1 opposite the Lin Onus Gallery, local artist Tank’s striking portraits of SAM Development Manager Carmel Johnson, Greater Shepparton City Councillor Anthony Brophy and ABC Radio presenter Nic Healey provide a distinctly local counterpoint to Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize.
Remarkable in their rendering of the three sitters at ease at home, Tank not only captures the personality of each subject in a fleeting moment, or in Carmel’s case, a knowing sideways glance, but also shines a light on locals who help shape Greater Shepparton through their advocacy, leadership and professional endeavours.
“The Archibald Prize itself is not just about celebrities,” Tank said. “It’s if someone’s done something in their field or is an important person in the community.”
Revealing something genuine about three familiar locals, rendered in a striking yet warm colour palette, it is astounding to note these are the first portraits the artist, now 30 years into his creative career, has ever attempted.
“I’ve never done portraiture before,” Tank said. “My idea of portraiture is a bit old-fashioned. I’ve always liked that sort of portraiture myself, so that’s what I’m trying to replicate. It’s about trying to capture those tiny moments that I know these people have, capturing the essence of the people.”
Taking around six months from conception and coordination through to completion, Tank said the process proved one of the most challenging artistic undertakings of his career.
“It was probably the most torturous thing I have done in a long time,” he said. “I found it really hard and difficult, and I just don’t want to do it ever again. But I will.”
Despite stepping well outside his comfort zone, Tank has produced three portraits rich in character and authenticity. Admitting that he “got a bit teary the first time” he saw his portrait, Nic Healey said, “I think Tank saw me in a way that I wouldn’t necessarily see myself.”
While on the other hand, Anthony Brophy said he immediately recognised himself in the painting.
“He captured me,” he said. “The look he got was spot on.”
For Carmel Johnson, the portrait’s emotional centre was her beloved dog Ripley.
“I was very humbled to be painted by Tank,” she said, adding that the bond between owner and pet had been “beautifully captured”.
