Paul Jackson Gordon Dryland

The subject of this portrait is the writer Gordon Dryland, best known for his 1973 novel An absence of angels and various plays, who was a friend of artist Paul Jackson’s family.

‘Gordon was a bisexual man and moved mostly in acting circles when he moved from Auckland, New Zealand, to Sydney in the 1970s. He owned a record shop in 246 building in Queen Street, Auckland for many years to support himself, ’ said Jackson years later when asked about the portrait. ‘My wife and I became closer to Gordon in my adult years, sharing art experiences.’

‘Gordon suffered from muscular dystrophy his entire life, hence the apparent distortions in his face,’ said Jackson. 'This was my first attempt at the Archibald so it was a special moment for us both to see the piece hung.’