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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 Finalist
Shea Kirk
born Australia 1985
Alfie Barker (right view) 2023
pigment photographic print on paper
‘The feeling of being as at home in my body as I did before I went through puberty is indescribable. Transitioning for me has been like un-doing as much of puberty as I can, back to who I was before I went through school. Before I knew what was expected of a female to wear and do and act like. Before school made me wear a dress every day. Before I was thrown into a society obsessed with rules on gender and the expectations that came with that. I am so proud every day that I made it back at age 24.’ – Alfie Barker
Shea Kirk is a Naarm/Melbourne-based
artist working with traditional photographic methods and techniques. His studio-based practice and collaborative methodology enables his sitter’s
articulation of self. Kirk was the winner of the 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize.
The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 celebrates established and emerging artistic talent from across the country.
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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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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