‘The Fight’

(2024 Archibald Prize Entry)

‘The Fight’

180cm x 180cm oil, acrylic and pencil on linen canvas.

Lyn Swinburne is the epitome of the female fight.

This journey began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought this beast with courage and resilience.

But she could not ignore her overwhelming feelings of anger. She was angry that the experience could not be better for sufferers. She was angry that it could not be more supportive, educational, structured and have more of a focus on aftercare. How does one navigate the isolated aftermath of such a traumatic and life-altering experience?

These intense emotions were the catalyst for the birth of BCNA - Breast Cancer Network Australia.

This work shows Lyn’s strength in not only her fight against breast cancer but her recovery to then fight again - to fight against oppressive, outdated and unholistic forces and to fight for the underdog women who would be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future.

BCNA reaches tens of thousands of people throughout Australia and this work demonstrates the significant impact that Lyn Swinburne has had on so many.

She stands at the forefront of a revolutionary movement.

She is strong.

She is fierce.

She is the fight.