Sally Ryan Year of the Rabbit

Sally Ryan’s subject is Claudia Chan Shaw, a broadcaster, presenter, designer, curator, artist, author and collector. ‘It is impossible to represent all that is Claudia in a single picture,’ says two-time Archibald finalist Ryan.

‘I first met her when she interviewed me for her Arts Friday radio program. When we spoke afterwards, I learned more about her life and loves. This included her passion for art deco style and fashion, which formed a basis for the composition of my portrait.

‘She is wearing a self-designed dress and shoes, which was the winning outfit from a range of stunning ensembles she brought as options for the painting.

‘Claudia also showed me pieces from an extensive collection of robots, toys and other pop culture items that she has accumulated. I have referenced some of these in my painting, as well as Claudia’s Tai chi bunnies, a popular lantern installation created for the 2016 Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.

‘The bunny peeking around the curtain is a nod to that work, and the fact that 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, as was the year of my birth.’