© National Portrait Gallery 2025
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 Finalist
At age 36 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As I searched to understand my diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options, I was bombarded with endless photos of mostly older women, smiling in pink. The brave warriors who had survived – thriving and happy. But as a young single mum of two, contemplating my life being cut short – I wasn't smiling, I was in pain. The toxic positivity of being shown only happy survivors simply added to my anguish. I'm not brave, thriving, happy. I'm scared, scarred, and numb. This self-portrait was taken two weeks after my second breast surgery.
Courtesy of the artist
The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.
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