© National Portrait Gallery 2026
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 Finalist
‘My relationship with my wife Margaux has felt akin to the story of Hades and Persephone. We met in Paris but have since lived in Australia. Like Hades who brought Persephone to the underworld, I brought Margaux “down under”, away from her family and friends in France. Navigating this cross-cultural relationship has had its challenges. As a child born to Chinese immigrants, I understand the pain and the beauty of creating a home far from home. Using papercuts and light, I embrace a world of shadows.’
Meng-Yu Yan 颜梦钰 is a Chinese-Australian queer non-binary artist based on Wallumedegal Land in Sydney. Their practice explores ideas of self-reflection, absence and alienation.
The People’s Choice Award is generously supported by the Calvert-Jones Foundation, with the artist who wins the most votes receiving $10,000.
Voting closes Wednesday 30 September 2026.
from Saturday 22 August
The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.
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