It’s only been a few weeks since the late great Heath Ledger passed away as a result of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. And already his legacy is inspiring artists to create.

A portrait of the “Brokeback Mountain” actor has been entered into a contest for the Archibald Prize, a highly-regarded honor in Australia.

Vincent Fantauzzo, a friend of Heath’s, is the artist behind the piece called, simply “Heath.” Composed of three different versions of the actor, Fantauzzo says he hopes his art makes a connection with everyone who views it.

The whispering, the voices, the frustration or something comical – they [represent] different ways that we might be thinking in our own mind.

The painting was created prior to Ledgers death, and Vincent said that upon hearing of Heath’s untimely passing, he couldn’t believe the sad news.

I just didn’t believe it. When you paint someone, you meditate over them. I was painting Heath every day for 10 hours a day.

The Archibald Prize winner will be announced March 7th.

Source.