Portrait 71

Ryan Presley

In conversation

by April Phillips

April Phillips (Wiradjuri-Scottish, kalari/galari) yarns with Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley about portraiture, resilience and the spirit held within fire.

Stillness in movement

by Tara James

Tara James shares the joy of dance and its power to connect in the National Portrait Gallery’s touring exhibition Dancer.

When birds no longer sing

by Dr Emma Kindred

Emma Kindred looks at the career of Joan Ross, whose work subverts colonial imagery and its legacy with the clash of fluorescent yellow.

Between life and death you’re a miracle

by Elspeth Pitt

Elspeth Pitt talks to multidisciplinary artist Nell about ghosts, artistic lineages and hybrid art forms.

kith and kin

by Ellie Buttrose

Ellie Buttrose reveals the web of connection behind Kamilaroi/Bigambul artist Archie Moore’s kith and kin, which won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale 2024.

Embodiment of resistance

by Behrouz Boochani

Kurdish-Iranian writer and filmmaker Behrouz Boochani on his portrait by Hoda Afshar, recently acquired by the National Portrait Gallery.

Julie Rrap

In Profile

by Joanna Gilmour

Feminism, risktaking and the politics of looking: Joanna Gilmour steps into the world of Julie Rrap.

Why portraiture?

by Tsering Hannaford

Tsering Hannaford reflects on her experiences, process and motivation for making portraits.

Now & then

Penelope Seidler

Photographed 60 years apart, these portraits trace the lives and love story of Penelope Seidler AM and Harry Seidler OBE.

Behind the scenes

Del Kathryn Barton’s portrait of Maggie Beer

It was a riot of colour in the Gallery as we welcomed Del Kathryn Barton’s portrait of Maggie Beer AO into the collection.