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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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Self-portrait of a girl I used to know, 2016

by Holly Granville-Edge

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 Finalist

Holly in mid-December 2016, when she had an 8 x 5 x 4cm tumour in her left breast. I see beneath her swelling and beyond her eyes. I see a strangely familiar woman that I am slightly afraid of (and with good cause). I see a little girl who I want to hug. I see lymphatic rage; fierce hormonal danger; a living threat concealed in curves. I see a muse, a specimen, and a pressing need for a large format camera and new backdrop. I see a good friend who wants ice cream and forests and deep green swimming. I see her life ending and evolving at the same time. I see a girl I used to know, and love. 

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

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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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