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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.
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 Finalist
While photographing the family this year, I became acutely aware of the circumstances before a seemingly desirable photograph is taken – the chaotic events that precede the decisive moment. I shifted the exposure from the time at which everyone was composed in front of the camera to a moment during assembly for the portrait. On this occasion, the preliminary process involved children vying for my equipment and taking their own wonderful photographs; progress delayed; interest lost; and the testing of patience. The conclusion: the communal relief when we achieved personal dignity and common purpose.
Jessica Bolton navigates the parallel tracks documenting Robyn Davidson’s astonishing journey.
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 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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