Shaun Gladwell describes this portrait as ‘a protest against the political persecution, psychological torture and illegal incarceration of Julian Assange. Through overt and covert symbolic imagery, I aim to present the inhumane conditions in which my friend has lived for 12 years, while celebrating his achievements as an investigative journalist, publisher and spokesperson for free speech.

‘I consider him a living Socrates, Spartacus, Ned Kelly and Karl Marx,’ adds Gladwell, who was an Archibald finalist in 2015 and is the subject of this year’s portrait by David Griggs.

‘Julian changed my worldview 14 years ago. After returning from Afghanistan as Australia’s official war artist, I was shocked by WikiLeaks’ 2010 video Collateral murder,’ says Gladwell.

Conducting a sitting was challenging, since Assange was in a maximum-security prison. ‘HMP Belmarsh didn’t allow me to bring anything except £25 for the canteen! When I was refused a pencil and paper, Julian suggested I sketch him with chocolate on a banknote. Despite the oppressive surroundings, it was wonderful to see Julian smile. He champions freedom, truth and peace. Let us now champion the freedom of this incredible human being.’