Career
Another artist, Tony Johansen, took legal action against the Art Gallery of NSW Trust over the portrait. Johansen argued that because Ruddy predominantly used charcoal in his work, it was a drawing, not a painting, and therefore was ineligible for the prize. In June 2006 the NSW Supreme Court dismissed Johansen"s claim.
After winning the Archibald Prize he developed Poppy Seeds, a series of portraits, nudes and self studies that was exhibited in November 2004.
The series addressed the tall poppy syndrome that often accompanies success in Australia. In August 2006 Ruddy"s Two Worlds sold to a private collector at the Sotheby"s auction in Sydney for $312,000.
lieutenant had been valued at between $150,000 and $180,000. He was a finalist in the 2011 Archibald Prize.
Buratti Fine Art, Perth www.buratti.com.au
Richard Martin Art, Sydney
Gallery One, QLD.
