Michael Zavros wins for portrait of Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin
Artist Michael Zavros won the Archibald People’s Choice Award for his portrait of Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin. The portrait, titled 'Alex with his tefillin in the sea,' was inspired by the aftermath of the 2025 Bondi Beach terror attacks.
Why it matters
The award highlights the intersection of contemporary art and social discourse in Australia, particularly regarding themes of multiculturalism and national identity following traumatic events.
Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
Share A A A The winner of this year’s $5000 Archibald People’s Choice Award is seven-time finalist Michael Zavros with his portrait of Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin.
Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, rose to prominence in the aftermath of the December 2025 Bondi Beach terror attacks.
Zavros’ portrait, Alex with his tefillin in the sea , depicts Ryvchin walking barefoot in the shallows of a harbour beach. Wrapped around his arm is his tefillin, a small leather box containing verses from the Torah.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in