Petrina Ryan-Kleid is an Australian-born, New York–based figurative painter whose work examines power, mythology, and the performance of public identity.
Trained in classical painting techniques, she draws on the visual language of Old Master portraiture to depict contemporary political and cultural figures. By placing modern subjects within the formal structure historically reserved for monarchs and aristocrats, her work explores how authority is constructed, consumed, and mythologized.
Ryan-Kleid’s paintings are known for their technical precision, psychological tension, and subtle irony. Familiar figures appear both monumental and human, suspended between icon and individual. The work invites viewers to reconsider the images they think they know.
Her paintings have circulated internationally and have sparked ongoing dialogue about art, media, and political spectacle. Working between tradition and critique, she approaches contemporary subjects with the seriousness of history painting, and the awareness of modern image culture.
Ryan-Kleid lives and works in New York City.
The paintings War Games and Chief in Command are currently available for acquisition. Both works continue my exploration of power, symbolism, and contemporary myth-making through the language of classical portraiture. Each painting is executed with archival materials and is accompanied by full documentation of authenticity.
For transport and installation, I prefer to work with Cadogan Tate, ensuring museum-standard handling and secure delivery both domestically and internationally. Pricing and condition reports are available upon request. Serious inquiries are welcome to contact the studio directly for further details.