The subjects of this painting are sisters in-law, Taaniko and Vienna Nordstrom, both cultural leaders within the Maori community in New Zealand and the creative minds behind their photography business 'Soldiers Rd Portraits'
Choosing to paint these incredible women for the Archibald I felt was in keeping with both my aesthetic and philosophy. For the past decade I have been inspired primarily by the beauty and earth connection of Polynesian cultures, in particular the strong presence of feminine 'mana' (power).