Marking a pivotal moment in Australian sporting history, the National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a major new portrait of all 23 players from the CommBank Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ Squad.
Created by acclaimed Sydney-based artist Angela Tiatia, the moving-image portrait is the National Portrait Gallery’s most ambitious commission, filmed across three continents, five cities and seven shoots. Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Bree Pickering said ‘this is the first ever portrait commission of a whole team to enter the national collection and our ambition for it had to match the impact of the Matildas on Australian culture. This portrait captures the joy and emotion of 2023, when Australia saw itself differently as a nation, united by women’s sport. Angela has created an extraordinary artwork that captures the strength, power and sense of connection that drives this team, highlighting the athleticism, skill and teamwork that inspired us,’ she said.
Angela Tiatia said that by using film, the portrait brings to life the dynamism and collective energy of the Matildas. ‘Film allows this portrait to feel immersive and alive, inviting the audience to be carried by the players’ presence and emotions. The work moves between the heights of elevating them as heroes; and the intimacy of connecting with them as humans.’
