Marcus Wills Jack and Nikki

This portrait of Jack Riley and Nikki Tarling grew from a new figurative project Marcus Wills was working on, with which they were helping.

‘I’ve painted both Jack and Nikki on multiple occasions,’ says Wills. ‘Jack was the subject of my portrait Requiem (JR), selected for the 2020 Archibald Prize.’

Riley and Tarling are dancers, who have performed extensively in Australia and overseas, at times dancing together. They are both currently working with contemporary dance company Chunky Move. Riley’s practice also extends to choreography and film.

Riley describes his former relationship with Tarling (they were once partners) as ‘a momentous time in our lives. We inspired each other creatively and worked so closely on projects that we became each other’s muse. Marcus’s portrait was our last artistic endeavour together.’

‘They worked so well together that I felt compelled to paint the two of them when they were with me in my studio,’ says Wills.

This is Wills’ seventh time in the Archibald Prize, which he won in 2006 with a portrait of sculptor Paul Juraszek.