Lot 90

This work is in good condition overall. There is a loss of pigment in the hair however this is not outwardly apparent. Work is stretched, however not framed.


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Paul Ryan's Cannibal series explores the identity of Alexander Pearce, one of Australia's most infamous cannibal convicts. Sent to Australia for stealing six pairs of shoes, Pearce served his sentence in Tasmania before escaping in 1822 with seven other convicts. After 15 days without food, the party began to kill and eat each other. Pearce was the only survivor.

On his Sulman Prize finalist painting, Ryan stated: "I prefer not to talk too much about this new work except to say that the painting explores notions of the civilised and the uncivilised and the thin line that separates the two".

Related work:
Fine Young Cannibal 2013, oil on linen, 100 x 160cm, Sulman Prize Finalist Art Gallery of New South Wales 2013