Celebrating Korovian Jaq Grantford

Korovian Jaq Grantford (Corben, Class of 1984), a celebrated portrait artist and storyteller, continues to make her mark on the Australian art landscape. A first time Archibald Prize finalist in 2023, was announced as the winner of the Archibald Prize 2023 ANZ People’s Choice award for her portrait, Through the Window, of Australian icon and former Play School presenter, Noni Hazlehurst. Jaq has once again been recognised as a finalised in the 2025 Archibald Prize, marking this  her third time as a finalist.

A Portrait of Sisterhood: The 2025 Archibald Entry

This year’s entry Sisters is a heartfelt tribute: a portrait of sisters Nicole and Antonia Kidman, painted at the request of their late mother, Janelle Kidman. Painted on Christmas Eve in Sydney, the portrait captures the strength and connection between the two sisters, through the lens of another remarkable woman.

Korovian Jaq Grantford’s Career in Portraiture

Over a long and distinguished career, Jaq has painted many other notable Australians including Jacki Weaver, Mick Malthouse and Bud Tingwell and her work is held in the National Gallery of Victoria, and the National Portrait Gallery of Australia. She has won numerous other awards, including the Darling Portrait Prize and the Master of Art International Art Prize in London.

A Lasting Connection to Korowa

The visual arts are an important part of Korowa’s curriculum and Jaq’s creative energy and commitment to the arts is to be admired. Jaq commented recently ‘I am delighted that the arts are flourishing at Korowa. I still remember my classes. I had a particularly amazing music history teacher, Mrs Washfold, who although not my art teacher, inspired me in many ways…as all good teachers do. And I am still friends with some wonderful school mates from way back then.’

Sharing Her Story With the Korovian Community

In November 2023, Jaq was the guest speaker at the Korovian Club’s AGM where she shared her journey as a portrait artist. Her early inspiration came from the portraits of Korowa’s past Principal’s that she gazed at during assemblies. It was really fascinating to hear her insights into the creative process and the people she has met and painted along the way. The audience so appreciated the warmth and sincerity of her delivery. Jaq revealed that Grantford is a made-up name, so not a married name. She explained ‘it stands for ‘grand step forward’ and I chose it because I wanted a name that was uniquely mine and not from someone else. At school we were encouraged to think broadly about what was possible for women – careers, opportunities, and even names!’

Jaq also revealed that her mother, fellow Korovian Patricia Corben (Class of 1957), grew up in Grandview Road and Jaq’s great grandmother’s house was next door. Both properties were later acquired by Korowa one of which is now the site of the staff carpark and the other one, one of the School’s tennis courts.

Korowa is not only very proud of Korovian Jaq Grantford’s achievements, but of the way in which she has lived an authentic life devoted to creative expression.