BYRON Shire artist Robert Ryan has been named as one of this year’s finalist of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Wynne Prize.
The Wynne Prize is awarded annually for “the best landscape painting of Australian scenery in oils or watercolours or for the best example of figure sculpture by Australian artists”.
Mr Ryans painting ‘Rory’s Dream’ depicts a large property development due for completion this December in Geelong Victoria, being built by Rory Costello.
“I had access to all the original concept drawings for the land which was on an old airport site,” Mr Ryan said.
“So I had access to the original vision Rory had for the project, which was a very unique and interesting position to be in.”
“I was happy to be involved as the developments he does are about building real communities.”
Mr Ryan also made the short list for last year’s Wynne and Sulman prizes and said it was humbling to see his work hung in the company of some of Australia’s most well-regarded artists.
“I always feel that I am a bit of an imposter in these competitions,” he said.
“I think it’s good to feel like and outsider, the last thing I want to do is walk around like I own the joint.”
Over the years Mr Ryan has lived and worked in places as diverse as Dublin, Milan, South Africa, Sumatra and the Maldives but he has always been based in the Northern Rivers.
He is a veteran of many solo shows with his work represented in many galleries including the UK Microsoft Collection, the Bailey’s Art Collection in Dublin, the Gold Coast City Art gallery, the Tweed Regional Art gallery and the James Packer Collection.
Originally from South Australia, he only returned to formal study at the North Adelaide School of Art at the age of 25.
Mr Ryan has always maintained a small printmaking studio in Bangalow.
The Wynne Prize competition is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW and the results will be unveiled in a week.
The finalists will be displayed in an exhibition at the Gallery for the next three months.
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