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Natalie Imbruglia

1999
Polly Borland

from the series ‘Australians’
type C photograph on paper (image: 48.7 cm x 38.6 cm)

Natalie Imbruglia (b. 1975), singer-songwriter, appeared in several television commercials before joining the television soap Neighbours. She moved to London in 1996, began writing songs and signed a record contract with RCA in 1997. Her first album, Left of the Middle, was released that year and has since sold more than six million copies worldwide. The single ‘Torn’ topped the UK charts for nine weeks and earned Imbruglia a string of awards, including Best Song at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She has also received two Brit Awards, six ARIAs, and been nominated for three Grammys. Her second album, White Lilies Island, was released in late 2001 and the hit ‘Counting Down the Days’ in 2005; by 2007 she was in a position to release Glorious: The Singles 1997–2007. Meanwhile, from 2002 to 2007 she was the radiant ‘face’ of French cosmetics giant l’Oréal. A British citizen since 2013, Imbruglia lives in London; her most recent album is Male (2015), comprising covers of hits originally sung by men.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001
© Polly Borland

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.
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Audio description

2 minutes 19 seconds
Show transcript

Artist and subject

Polly Borland (age 40 in 1999)

Natalie Imbruglia (age 24 in 1999)

Subject professions

Performing arts

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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.

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