Skip to main content
Menu

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.

witness, 2023

wani toaishara

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 Finalist

pigment photographic print on paper (frame: 112.6cm x 92.7cm depth 3.7cm)

wani toaishara
born Democratic Republic of Congo 1990, Australia from 2012

witness 2023
pigment photographic print on paper

‘nameless hands that toil
steadfast and true,
whispers of strength in their touch
rest,
assured.’

wani toaishara is an artist based in Naarm/Melbourne whose practice explores Black life and representation, dislocation and Indigeneity as well as the effects of colonialism on Africa and its diaspora. Through his work he interrogates the complexities of Black sociality in urban spaces, often using his personal history to create intimate works.

People's Choice Award

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

Voting closes Sunday 29 September 2024.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

© National Portrait Gallery 2024
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency