Peter Ke Heng Chen

Archibald Prize 2025 finalist
Peter Ke Heng Chen
I’m a little fish in New York (ripples of ambition)
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
© the artist

Peter Ke Heng Chen has channelled his pride, love and belief in his son, comedian Aaron Chen, into this portrait.

‘The idea for the piece was inspired by Aaron’s words, “I’m just a little fish in New York”,’ says Peter, a first-time Archibald finalist.

Aaron has a big following in Australia. He won the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and was nominated for two 2025 AACTA Awards for his work in the television shows Fisk and Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont spelling bee.

‘From winning the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national competition for high-school students, Class Clowns, to performing at the Sydney Opera House, Aaron embarked on his journey. To see what the Big Apple has to offer, he moved to New York in 2023, where he has made waves in the comedy scene,’ says Peter.

‘This painting started with Aaron, Sydney and New York as the focal points. I was then inspired to include images of shifting clouds, fish leaping over waves and Times Square, leading to a star-studded path symbolising ambitions of Hollywood. Van Gogh’s rough brushstrokes seep into the composition. Like a jazz improviser, I create instinctively. This vision took shape over two months, guided by passion and spontaneity.’