© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 Finalist
‘This portrait depicts Kai in an abandoned brickworks quarry in Lismore, New South Wales. In a region where infrastructure remains limited after floods, the quarry offers teenagers a place to gather beyond authority. Wrapped in a towel, Kai brushes her long, wet hair, a tender act usually reserved for a private space. Set within a public swimming site, the portrait reminds us that experiences of intimacy, care and coming of age often unfold in improvised landscapes. The image is from the ongoing series The Quarry, which traces the ways young people carve out spaces of freedom and belonging.’
Tajette O’Halloran is a photographic artist from Bundjalong Country in Lismore. Her work investigates the social and emotional terrain of adolescence, identity and belonging within the context of regional Australia.
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.
Visit us, learn with us, support us or work with us! Here’s a range of information about planning your visit, our history and more!
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
