Kid Wrangled
Melissa Ritchie
- Sitter: Harley Breen
- Medium: Oil on Linen
- Dimensions: 95 x 126cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
- Categories: Female Artist, Performing Arts and Music
About the artwork and sitter
This is a portrait many parents will relate to. Melissa Ritchie has depicted award-winning stand up comedian, TV host and radio personality Harley Breen, being wrangled by nine versions of his middle child, Walt.
Melissa has captured a slightly bemused and exasperated look: “Reflecting the different power dynamics between father and child.”
She says Breen was raised in a religious community in Queensland, “..and often talks about growing up in a strict religious environment with a pastor father. Having left that life behind as an adult, he raises his own children with a lot more freedom.”
About the artist
This is the is the 13th comedian Melissa Ritchie has painted in a series of portraits which showcase each comedian’s unique comedic perspective. She’s been a finalist in many of Australia’s Portrait Prizes including the Brisbane Portrait Prize and the Archibald. She has family in Brisbane and visits regularly.
