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Tilman Ruff AO (b. 1955), infectious diseases and public health physician, was a founder of ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. Graduating from Monash University in 1980, Ruff joined the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, of which he later became co-president. In 2015 he and Malcolm Fraser wrote an article for the Age newspaper titled '2015 is the Year to Ban Nuclear Weapons'. Ruff is an international medical adviser to the Australian Red Cross, a member of the World Health Organisation's expert panel on hepatitis B for the Western Pacific region, and an associate professor at the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne.
When Nikki Toole saw Ruff’s old red jumper that he wears when relaxing at his farm with his family, she knew immediately she wanted him to wear it for the portrait. The photograph was taken in Toole's kitchen, using available light. As she noted: 'He is an incredible humanitarian and human being but his joy is in his family … He was so inspiring to be around, and is that person who makes you want to do better for your planet.'
Purchased 2019
© Nikki Toole
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Tilman Ruff AO has focused his efforts on the prohibition of nuclear weapons.
Photographer Nikki Toole describes the creation of her portrait of Rosie Batty.
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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