SJM acquires Archibald People’s Choice painting
It won the public's hearts and a record Archibald vote. Now Michael Zavros' portrait of Alex Ryvchin has found a permanent home at the Sydney Jewish Museum.
The portrait of ECAJ co-CEO Alex Ryvchin by Michael Zavros, which won a record People’s Choice vote, will find a permanent home at the Sydney Jewish Museum.
The Sydney Jewish Museum (SJM) has acquired Michael Zavros’ Archibald Prize-winning portrait of Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, just weeks after the painting won the 2026 ANZ People’s Choice award with the highest number of votes in the competition’s history.
The large-scale hyperrealist oil on canvas, titled ‘Alex with his tefillin in the sea’, depicts Ryvchin standing in the ocean wrapped in tefillin. The acquisition was made possible through a major gift to the museum.
SJM board president Greg Shand said the acquisition carried particular cultural significance.
“At a time of heightened concern about antisemitism in Australia, the public response to this portrait carries particular significance,” Shand said. “Its selection as the People’s Choice award winner demonstrates the enduring capacity of art to build understanding between people.”
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