Congratulations to Art Atrium artist Mostafa Azimitabar for being a Finalist in the Art Gallery of NSW Archibald Prize 2026

Congratulations to Art Atrium artist Mostafa Azimitabar for being a Finalist in the Art Gallery of NSW Archibald Prize 2026

This painting holds deep personal significance for me.

During my time in the hotel detention in Melbourne in 2020, I connected with Jim Moginie. In that confined space, I wrote a song titled Love, using a guitar gifted to me by the family of Jimmy Barnes, a rare act of generosity that gave me strength and hope.

I recorded my demos with my phone and transfer them to Jim and he produced my song. It gave me massive hope.

While working on this portrait, I was under immense emotional strain. I had lost all contact with my family in my homeland after the internet was cut off in Iran by the ruling regime. In that isolation, this work became both an act of expression and a means of endurance.

I’m incredibly honoured to share that I’ve been selected as a finalist for the Archibald Prize 2026 with my portrait of my dear friend, Jim Moginie.

Mostafa Azimitabar

Click here to view Mostafa Azimitabar’s profile and artworks.

Art Atrium·Contemporary art·Australian art·Australian Artist·Art gallery