Two prominent Greek Australians — television presenter Costa Georgiadis and barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC — have been immortalised among the finalists for this year’s Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious portraiture award.
Georgiadis, the exuberant host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, features in The Green Man by Sydney-based artist Evan Shipard. The work, which marks Shipard’s first time as an Archibald finalist, offers a more contemplative portrait of Georgiadis than viewers may be used to seeing on screen.
“Costa is a warm, inquisitive individual, who is passionate about his causes and very interested in the painting process,” Shipard said.
“He is an animated character on screen, but I aimed to capture a quieter, more pensive moment that hopefully offers a fresh insight into this popular man.”
The portrait was created during a live sitting at the Bowral & District Art Society in the Southern Highlands. Shipard later added a personal touch in his studio, surrounding Georgiadis with figs and a floral arrangement — a nod to his Greek heritage and his flamboyant appearance at the recent Logies.
Chrysanthou, a Sydney-based defamation barrister renowned for her tenacity in the courtroom, is the subject of Portrait of Sue Chrysanthou by Peter Wegner, who won the Archibald in 2021.
Wegner was struck by Chrysanthou’s commanding presence during a livestreamed court case and was moved to paint her.
“I was impressed by her energy and the complex ritual of her questioning,” he said.
Far from a typical glamour portrait, Wegner embraced Chrysanthou’s rejection of social conventions.
“I also warmed to the fact that she doesn’t wear make-up, never combs her hair, never wears jewellery (except for a bracelet given to her by her four children) and is not on social media. In a world dominated by social expectations, I found these qualities refreshing,” he said.
“The painting reflects a professional moment, but I hope that Sue’s sideways glance takes the portrait beyond a senior counsel. In that time capsule, there is also a parent, pet owner, beekeeper, wildlife carer and alleged amateur breakdancer, with a huge enthusiasm for life.”
Both portraits are among the 57 finalists selected from more than 900 entries in this year’s Archibald Prize, which opens at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on May 10.
