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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

In my dreams I am dirty, broke, beautiful & free., 2022

David Cossini

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 Finalist

digital photograph on paper (frame: 139.8cm x 98.8cm depth 4.0cm)
In my dreams I am dirty, broke, beautiful & free., 2022

During the bitterly cold English winter, I was staying in a squalid and dangerous squat in the middle of London. Niall became my self-appointed protector. Every morning I would wake to Niall either curled up in a ball at the end of my bed or sprawled out on the floor with his head resting on the mattress like it was a pillow. He would assure me that he was keeping me safe.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
(More information, View all 47 photos)

Self portrait with my mother and sister
Riverboat Rod & Ruby
Mela
Jaye

Other NPPP photos from David Cossini
(More information)

Ugandan Ssebabi, 2022 David Cossini
2023 Art Handlers' Award

Related information

Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk
Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk
Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk
Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

Previous exhibition, 2023

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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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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