This is the second time that Chris O’Doherty (aka Reg Mombassa) has been represented in the Archibald Prize with a self-portrait. ‘This painting is based on a selfie and some sketches I made while in hospital a couple of years ago,’ he says. ‘I find self-portraits easier to set up as I am readily available and will not complain about a negative or ugly portrayal. Plus I don’t need to be stuck in a room with a stranger. ‘In this picture I have tried to express the existential horror that accompanied the pain, discomfort and occasional humiliation experienced during a two-week stay to have my prostrate, lymph glands and appendix removed, and three hernias repaired. ‘It was at the height of the pandemic and raining incessantly, which contributed to the surreal gloom of the experience. I thought the nose tube added a note of grim humour and a complimentary diagonal element to the composition. ‘The hospital staff were professional, kind and friendly, and thanks to their excellent work I am fully repaired and still around. So a big thank you to the Australian medical system.’

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© 2025 Reg Mombassa