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Surprise Encounter with Painter Ryan W. Daffurn

“I wasn’t expecting to see you today,” Ryan W. Daffurn said to me as we wrapped up an engaging one-hour conversation at the Maunsell Wickes Gallery in Paddington. I had to dash off to pick up my daughter from school - otherwise, I would have stayed much longer, especially since I’d chosen tea over wine (despite Dominic Maunsell, the gallery owner, graciously offering both).

Our conversation was fascinating from start to finish. From the moment Dominique greeted me, to shaking hands and introducing myself to Ryan, it was a truly delightful Tuesday afternoon. “Oh, you’re the writer!” Ryan exclaimed when he pieced together who I was in connection with Yves Hernot, a shared figure in both our lives.

Yes, the writer. I take it as a compliment, though perhaps a bit of an overstatement - I juggle many roles and can’t live off writing just yet. But being a creative is always a journey, and that’s exactly what Ryan and I discussed: the journey of an artist in today’s world. How to navigate it, find support, and carve a path that leads somewhere meaningful.

For Ryan, Yves Hernot - the art collector, philanthropist, and mecene - has been an invaluable guide, helping him gain recognition and visibility. Their connection has even set Ryan on a new path: preparing to paint Yves’ portrait for next year’s Archibald Prize, following the disappointment of this year’s selection.


And what about the works currently exhibited at the gallery? In short, I loved them. The exhibition’s theme is rooted in Hill End, a former gold-mining township now known for its haunting beauty and artistic allure. Ryan captures its essence brilliantly - seeing beauty in sadness, hope in dereliction, and light in darkness.

Hill End is a place where old sheds and shacks linger, weathered by time and nature’s power. Yet Ryan’s art doesn’t dwell on decay; it celebrates resilience. His works are infused with positivity, depicting light breaking through the bush and nature reclaiming its ground. There’s even an otherworldly quality, with creatures from parallel worlds emerging from the past or future.


This theme feels especially fitting at Maunsell Wickes, Sydney’s oldest gallery. Once owned by legendary Australian art dealer Barry Stern, the gallery was founded in Paddington when it was still a slum and featured works inspired by Hill End. With Ryan’s exhibition, the story comes full circle—a poetic reminder of life’s cycles.

If you’re curious to experience Hill End reimagined, I highly recommend visiting the Maunsell Wickes Gallery at 19 Glenmore Road. The exhibition runs until the end of November, so there’s still time to see Ryan’s extraordinary work first-hand.


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