Westmead Private Hospital doc honoured with Archibald Prize portrait

The two first met three years ago when Mr Barry was treated by Prof. Kovoor at Westmead Private for severe weakening of his heart muscle from an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation.

"'Faceless to Friend' depicts my healthcare journey, where not only was I given my life back, but the humanity shown by Professor Kovoor throughout my hospital stays has turned him from at first a caring stranger to now a lifelong friend," Mr Barry said.

"The care shown to me when I was in hospital was world class. It inspired 'Faceless to Friend' and gave me lasting respect for our healthcare workers."

Mr Barry explained each element in the portrait and how it relates to his journey.

"The speeding ambulance in the painting represents the hectic pace of health care and multiple emergencies it has to deal with. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the painting represents Professor Kovoor's work with Greg Page, the original Yellow Wiggle, to promote availability and use of AEDs across Australia for cardiac arrests in the community. It has also been used on me multiple times."

Prof. Kovoor said he was honoured to be the subject of Mr Barry's portrait.

"I was very honoured as I understood from William that he was doing my portrait to describe his gratitude to all the health care professionals across Australia, especially at Westmead Private Hospital," Prof Kovoor said.

"I sincerely hope that he wins the Archibald Prize."

This year's Archibald finalists and the Packing Room Prize will be announced on May 30th.