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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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Bernard Fanning
Bernard Fanning
Bernard Fanning

Bernard Fanning, 2003

Christopher Morris
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2006

Kid A, 2014 by Joshua Morris

Kid A, 2014

by Joshua Morris
Image
Shogun, 2015 by Joshua Morris

Shogun, 2015

by Joshua Morris
Image
Fifteen, 2016 by Fiona Morris

Fifteen, 2016

by Fiona Morris
Image
Morris Lurie
Morris Lurie
Morris Lurie

Morris Lurie, 1994

Francis Reiss
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2004

Billy Hughes
Billy Hughes
Billy Hughes

Billy Hughes, n.d.

Will Dyson
Portrait, pen and ink wash on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

The Billy Book
The Billy Book
The Billy Book

The Billy Book, 1918

David Low
Portrait, book

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Suzie Campbell 2001

Billy Hughes paperweight
Billy Hughes paperweight
Billy Hughes paperweight

Billy Hughes paperweight, n.d.

an unknown artist
Portrait, cast iron, painted

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ric Techow and Jenny Techow-Coleman in memory of Roy and Bet Techow 2001

Billy Hughes bottle stopper
Billy Hughes bottle stopper
Billy Hughes bottle stopper

Billy Hughes bottle stopper, 1911-1921

Mashman Bros Ltd
Portrait, ceramic and cork

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Portrait of Mr W.M. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia
Portrait of Mr W.M. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia
Portrait of Mr W.M. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia

Portrait of Mr W.M. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, 1916

J H Barratt & Co Ltd, Stoke-on-Trent
Portrait, photographic image on glazed ceramic tile

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ian Ross 2001

Woburn Sheepshearing
Woburn Sheepshearing
Woburn Sheepshearing

Woburn Sheepshearing, 1811

Thomas Morris, M N. Bates, Joseph C. Stadler after George Garrard
Portrait, aquatint with stipple and etching and engraving, hand coloured on chine colle on paper laid down on cotton stretched over wooden strainer

Purchased 2018

image not online

Dr Christopher Chapman

Biography

After almost 12 years, Dr Christopher Chapman departed as Senior Curator in 2019.

Mum, 2011 by Christopher Pearce

Mum, 2011

by Christopher Pearce
Image
Melanie and sighthounds, 2016 by Christopher Pearce

Melanie and sighthounds, 2016

by Christopher Pearce
Image
Greta In Her Kitchen, 36 weeks, 2018 by Alana Holmberg

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2019

Previous exhibition, 2019

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Michelle Simmons

Three ways to look at a photograph

NPPP 2019 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Christopher Chapman, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2019 Prize.

Zareth, 2009 by Scott Bycroft

NPPP 2010 exhibition essay

General content

Dr Christopher Chapman, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2010 Prize.

David Chalmers

Coming into being

NPPP 2018 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Christopher Chapman, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2018 Prize.

Cormac and Callum, 2008 by Ingvar Kenne

NPPP 2009 exhibition essay

General content

Dr Christopher Chapman, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2009 Prize.

Kid A, 2014 by Joshua Morris

Swimming every day

NPPP 2015 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Christopher Chapman, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2015 Prize.

Benny (42nd Street Series), 1979–80 by Larry Clark

City boys

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2016

Christopher Chapman immerses himself in Larry Clark’s field of vision.

James Ford, 1979 by Robert Mapplethorpe

Apollo's breath

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2016

Christopher Chapman delights in the intimacy of Robert Mapplethorpe's photography

Arthur Boyd's studio

Boyd to man

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2016

Christopher Chapman looks at influences and insight in the formative years of Arthur Boyd.

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

Previous exhibition, 2018

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Bed piece, 1972 by Chris Burden

The boy, the bed and the gun

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2016

Christopher Chapman contemplates the provocative performance art of Chris Burden. 

Karen Gillan, 2010

Hot Scots

Magazine article by Christopher Baker, 2013

James Holloway describes the first portraits you encounter when entering the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Kid A, 2014 by Joshua Morris

Swimming every day

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2015

National Photographic Portrait Prize judge Christopher Chapman connects this year’s entries to iconic contemporary american photographers.

Cry me a future (still from video), 2006 by Kate Murphy

Kate Murphy

Cry me a future (Dublin)
Previous exhibition, 2009

Kate Murphy's video installation shows the artist listening to predictions made by a clairvoyant.

Spencer 2016, by Warwick Baker

Tough & Tender

Previous exhibition, 2016

Art by Warwick Baker, Chris Burden, Larry Clark, Rozalind Drummond, Nan Goldin, Robert Mapplethorpe and Collier Schorr explores personal relations, individual expression and fluid identity.

Sir Robert May AC KT

Electric!

Portraits that pop!
Previous exhibition, 2018

Celebrate the Gallery’s 20th birthday summer with Electric! Portraits that pop! The collection exhibition features a mix of bright, bold and colourful paintings, prints and photographs, and buoyant video portraits.

Portrait of Johnson Pilton Walker,
Inside the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra,
25 Hours 31 minutes, 22-23 May 2009 by Ingvar Kenne

Portraits + Architecture

Previous exhibition, 2009

This exhibition explores creative process and identity.

Layne Beachley

Collection: Icons

Volume One
Previous exhibition, 2018

When a portrait communicates determination and individuality as boldly as these do, it has the potential to become an iconic image. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

Lee Lin Chin

Icons

Parliament House
Touring exhibition, 2019

When a portrait communicates determination and individuality as boldly as these do, it has the potential to become an iconic image. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

Cormac and Callum, 2008 by Ingvar Kenne

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009

Previous exhibition, 2009

In its second year at the National Portrait Gallery, and for the first time touring to other venues, the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 continues to present surprising perspectives on the nature of contemporary portrait photography.

Rosie Batty

Express Yourself

Previous exhibition, 2018

This exhibition celebrates Australians whose unique life experiences symbolise social and cultural forces. Uncompromising individuality defines them. The portraits are drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection of contemporary photography and drawing.

All that fall

Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War
Previous exhibition, 2015

Focussing on the wide-ranging theme of loss and absence, this exhibition provides a moving ‘portrait’ of loss during the First World War on the Australian home front. Powerful symbolic images, including contemporary works, evoke the emotional intensity of loss. All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War is the National Portrait Gallery’s contribution to the Anzac Centenary.

Ian Thorpe

Collection: Icons

Volume Two
Previous exhibition, 2018

The second instalment of a display featuring bold contemporary portraits drawn from the collection. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

Portrait of Li Cunxin, 2017–2018 (detail) by Jun Chen

20/20

Celebrating twenty years with twenty new portrait commissions
Previous exhibition, 2018

20/20 showcases the dynamic suite of new portraits commissioned to celebrate the National Portrait Gallery’s 20th year. Leaders and individualists invited by the Gallery were matched with unique artists to create distinctive contemporary portraits.

Zareth, 2009 by Scott Bycroft

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2010

Previous exhibition, 2010

The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an annual event intended to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.

Behind your eyes, between your ears

Brainwave interactive artwork by George Khut
Previous exhibition, 2016

As the subject changes the quality of their attention and mental focus, the portrait transforms, both appearance and sound.

Dr Reg Hook

Inner Worlds and psychoanalysis

Lecture, 4 June 2011
General content

Inner Worlds evokes a broad view of psychology as a discipline. However, the specific interests of the practitioners whose portraits are included in the exhibition incorporate specialist areas including psychoanalysis.

Satoshi Tokuhiro at Horai Gorge, Takaruzuka, Hyogo from Young Samurai – Bodybuilders of Japan Photography by Tamotsu Yato

Way of the body

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2019

Christopher Chapman reveals the intersection of iconoclastic Japanese figures Yukio Mishima and Tamotsu Yato.

Theodore Twombly by Alice Carroll

A.I.

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2015

Christopher Chapman ponders our digital identity and selfhood.

Geoffrey Graham

The mind's eye

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2017

Christopher Chapman takes a trip through the doors of perception, arriving at the junction of surrealism and psychoanalysis.

Dr Christopher Chapman

The art of Inner Worlds

Lecture, 7 May 2011
General content

Dr Christopher Chapman NPG Curator of Inner Worlds explains the development of an exhibition that spans from Surrealism to contemporary art.

Koko & Kiko (42nd Street Series), 1980 by Larry Clark

Best buds

About Face article

It’s important to have a best bud when you’re growing up. For many boys the transition from boyhood through adolescence is defined by wanting to fit in. 

Evie and Ruby at The Bend, Dec. 2019 Christopher Hopkins

Evie and Ruby at The Bend, Dec. 2019

Christopher Hopkins
Image
image not online

About the exhibition

Portraits + Architecture
General content
Billy Mann 1963 by Larry Clark

Larry Clark

Tough & Tender
General content

Larry Clark's black-and-white documentary images of young outsiders reveal raw feelings. 

Lesley Harding

Faces of war

Lecture, 14 May 2011
General content

Lesley Harding, Curator, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne explores Albert Tucker’s experience of World War II, his interests in the intersection between psychology and creativity, and their influence on his portrait making.

Vy (Cowsill) 2016 by Rozalind Drummond

Joyful sadness

About Face article

Rozalind Drummond’s photographs in the exhibition Tough and tender let us bring our imagination to the act of looking.

Pride, 2020 Christopher Hopkins

Pride

Christopher Hopkins
Image
Dominik, First Tour, Backnang 2000 by Collier Schorr

Collier Schorr

Tough & Tender
General content

This is the first time Collier Schorr's photographs, which explore gender and identity, have been shown in Australia.

Hugh 2015, by Warwick Baker

Friends

About Face article

Warwick Baker’s photos of his friends are intimate. They hold a stillness that allows their subjects to be at ease.

Nan and Brian in bed, New York City 1983 by Nan Goldin

Nan Goldin

Tough & Tender
General content

The photographs by Nan Goldin in Tough and tender are warm images of heartache and hope.

Bed piece, 1972 by Chris Burden

Chris Burden

Tough & Tender
General content

In the video in Tough and tender Chris Burden narrates his performance artworks characterised by focused attention to mind over physical body.

King Barak, last of the Yarra Tribe, 1899

Barak, respected elder

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Christopher Chapman looks at the life of Wurundjeri elder William Barak through the portrait painted by Victor de Pury in 1899.

Self-Portrait, 1981 by Don Bachardy

Drawing inspiration

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2017

Christopher Chapman absorbs the gentle touch of Don Bachardy’s portraiture.

Tariro, 2010 by Rod McNicol

Village people

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2015

Christopher Chapman discusses Rod McNicol's photographic portrait series Newcomers to my village.

Maryan, 2010 by Rod McNicol

Life and time

Portraits by Rod McNicol
Previous exhibition, 2015

Australian photographer Rod McNicol has consistently analysed the passing of time through the evidence of the photographic portrait. At once confronting and tender, McNicol’s portrait photographs are bold and intimate. 

Christopher Brennan
Christopher Brennan
Christopher Brennan

Christopher Brennan, 1927

Annie May Moore
Portrait, carbon print on paper

Purchased 2014

Portrait of Ali, 2014 by Hoda Afshar

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015

Previous exhibition, 2015

The National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Life Dancers, 2015 by Elizabeth Looker

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2016

Previous exhibition, 2016

The National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, August 1955 by Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon People

Previous exhibition, 2013

American photographer Richard Avedon produced portrait photographs that defined the twentieth century. Developed in partnership with the Richard Avedon Foundation in New York, the first Australian exhibition of Avedon’s bold portraits reveals the glamour and drama of his iconic artistic work.

Creator versus character - Chris Lilley

How to be a boy

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2011

Christopher Chapman profiles Chris Lilley, actor and creator of Angry Boys.

Scott Redford: Introducing
Reinhardt Dammn

Surfer artist rockstar

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2011

Christopher Chapman talks with Scott Redford about his character Reinhardt Dammn.

James Baldwin, writer, Harlem, New York 1945 by Richard Avedon

The Avedon effect

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2013

Dr Christopher Chapman explores how we can understand Richard Avedon's photographs.  

The possessed, 1942 by Albert Tucker

The inner voice

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2011

Dr Christopher Chapman, curator of Inner Worlds: Portraits & Psychology looks at Albert Tucker's Heidelberg military hospital portraits.

High school, 2008

Subtle emotion

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Christopher Chapman considers photographer Rozalind Drummond's portrait of author Nam Le.

Travis Giles, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia, 2010 by Nikki Toole

Mind and body

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2012

Christopher Chapman interviews photographer Nikki Toole about her bold and controlled portraits of skateboarders in the exhibition Skater.

Geo Face Distributor

Abstraction and figuration

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

James Angus discusses his major sculpture commission Geo Face Distributor with Christopher Chapman.

Names not known by Ingvar Kenne

Ingvar Kenne

Citizen
Previous exhibition, 2012

Swedish-born Australian photographer, Ingvar Kenne, captures both individuality and shared human experience in his ongoing portrait project Citizen.

Hetti

Beauty and strength

Portraits by Michael Riley
Previous exhibition, 2014

Influential Indigenous Australian artist Michael Riley (1960 - 2004) created these portrait photographs between 1984 and 1990 - they stand as an intricately connected group portrait of the vibrant urban-based Indigenous arts community in Sydney's inner-west at a formative moment.

Jim Conway

Selfhood transcended

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders and Dr Christopher Chapman, 2018

Anne Sanders and Christopher Chapman bring passionate characterisation to Express Yourself, the Portrait Gallery collection exhibition celebrating iconoclastic Australians.

Last Light Ellis Hutch

Reflections

General content

All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War exhibition co-curators Dr Anne Sanders and Dr Christopher Chapman reflect on the evolution of the Gallery’s Anzac Centenary exhibition.

Vy (Cowsill) 2016 by Rozalind Drummond

Rozalind Drummond

Tough & Tender
General content

The photographs in Tough & tender by Rozalind Drummond evoke individual freedom and personal reflection. 

Godfrey Miller

Form and reality

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2008

A photographic portrait by Kerry Dundas captures the contemplative mind of visionary painter Godfrey Miller.

Hugh 2015, by Warwick Baker

Warwick Baker

Tough & Tender
General content

The photographs in Tough and tender by Warwick Baker reveal intimate connections and moments of closeness. 

Video still from Documentation of Selected Works, 1971-74 by Chris Burden

Danger boy

About Face article

I didn’t ever meet the American artist Chris Burden but about 20 years ago I wrote to him. I was after the loan of some photographic prints of his most famous performance: he had arranged for a friend to fire a bullet so it would graze his arm.

Christos Tsiolkas

Intense identity

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Chistopher Chapman discusses the portrait of Australian author Christos Tsiolkas taken by John Tsiavis.

Marcia Langton

Powerful energy

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Dr Christopher Chapman explores the symbolism in the portrait commission of Marcia Langton by Brook Andrew.

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

'Weaving the Dame'
Portrait story

An interview with Victorian Tapestry Workshop artists Sue Walker and Christopher Pyett.

David Rastovich, 2010

Golden boy

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Dr Christopher Chapman examines Scott Redford's photographic portrait of Australian surfer David 'Rasta' Rastovich.

Paul Grabowsky

Feel the music

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Dr Christopher Chapman discusses the portrait of Australian composer Paul Grabowsky by photographer Martin Philbey.

Nick Mourtzakis

A non-material and non-physical portrait

Lecture, 21 May 2011
General content

Inner Worlds features the recently commissioned portrait of world-renowned philosopher of consciousness David Chalmers by Melbourne-based artist Nick Mourtzakis.

Inner Worlds

Portraits and Psychology
Previous exhibition, 2011

Portraits of Australia’s pioneering psychologists and artworks by artists fascinated by the subconscious mind.

Portrait of Cate Blanchett

Being Cate

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

A moving portrait of Cate Blanchett unfolds as an inspired pairing of medium and subject.

George Tjungurrayi

Two painters

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2007

Chris Chapman explains how Matthys Gerber bridges the gap between abstraction and portraiture.

Automatic for the people: Casey Stoner

Speed demon

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Scott Redford discusses his dynamic portrait commission of motorcycling champion and 2008 Young Australian of the Year Casey Stoner.

Lionel Rose, World Champion Bantam Weight Boxer before departing to the USA to defend his title

The champs

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2008

Two lively portrait photographs reflect the agility of their subjects: world champion Australian sportsmen Lionel Rose and Anthony Mundine.

Divide (Self portrait)

Dissections

Layered portraits from the collection
Previous exhibition, 2016

This display sets two impressive portraits from the collection into direct dialogue: Sam Jinks’ sculptural self portrait and Nick Mourtzakis’ painted portrait of David Chalmers, along with related maquette and sketches.Together they explore physical and psychological manifestations of the strata of self-hood.

Marilyn Darling AC

Support Crew

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2011

Portraits of philanthropists in the collection honour their contributions to Australia and acknowledge their support of the National Portrait Gallery.

Miles and Arkie, 2015 by Clint Peloso

Shop Talk

Magazine article by Stephen Phillips, 2016

Angus and the arbiters talk (photo) shop for the National Photographic Portrait Prize.

Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, 2000

Australian Tapestry Workshop, Merrill Dumbrell, Christopher Pyett, Normana Wight
Portrait, warp: cotton No.12 seinetwine; weft: wool and cotton

Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2000

Mr and Mrs Horace Keats in the
Mr and Mrs Horace Keats in the
Mr and Mrs Horace Keats in the

Mr and Mrs Horace Keats in the "Christopher Brennan Cycle", 1945

Dora Toovey
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Anne and Brennan Keats 2009

Pat and Richard Larter, Luddenham, 1970s

Pin-ups

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2008

Christopher Chapman describes the art and life of Australian artist Richard Larter.

Portrait of Troppo Architects, 2009

Thinking about architecture and portraiture

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Christopher Chapman describes the experimental exhibition Portraits + Architecture

blood/memory: Brenda & Christopher I (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra; Mara/Ngarrindjeri/Ritharrngu; Anglo-Australian/Chinese/German/Irish/Scottish) 2021
blood/memory: Brenda & Christopher I (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra; Mara/Ngarrindjeri/Ritharrngu; Anglo-Australian/Chinese/German/Irish/Scottish) 2021
blood/memory: Brenda & Christopher I (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra; Mara/Ngarrindjeri/Ritharrngu; Anglo-Australian/Chinese/German/Irish/Scottish) 2021

blood/memory: Brenda & Christopher I (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra; Mara/Ngarrindjeri/Ritharrngu; Anglo-Australian/Chinese/German/Irish/Scottish) 2021, 2022 (printed 2023)

Brenda L Croft, Prue Hazelgrove, Richard Crampton
Portrait, original wet plate collodion process tintype, digital scan to Ultrachrome pigment on paper

Purchased 2023

blood/memory: Brenda & Christopher I (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra; Mara/Ngarrindjeri/Ritharrngu; Anglo-Australian/Chinese/German/Irish/Scottish) 2021, 2022 Brenda L Croft, Prue Hazelgrove (Photographic Assistant)

blood/memory: Brenda & Christopher I (Gurindji/Malngin/Mudburra; Mara/Ngarrindjeri/Ritharrngu; Anglo-Australian/Chinese/German/Irish/Scottish) 2021

Brenda L Croft, Prue Hazelgrove (Photographic Assistant)
Image
Christopher Bassi standing in an empty office next to a large yellow painting

Christopher Bassi

Artists and Collectives

Known for his representational painting, Meriam and Yupungathi man Christopher Bassi, based in Meanjin/Brisbane, addresses issues surrounding cultural identity, alternative genealogies and colonial legacies.

William Morris, 1870 George Frederic Watts

William Morris

George Frederic Watts
Image
Self portrait

Arthur Boyd’s Mysterious Eyes

6 May 2016
Archived media releases 2016

The National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a focus exhibition of captivating portraits by renowned artist Arthur Boyd, titled Mysterious eyes: Arthur Boyd portraits from 1945.

Spencer 2016, by Warwick Baker

Tough & Tender Media Release

14 July 2016
Archived media releases 2016

Photographs from internationally acclaimed artists Robert Mapplethorpe, Larry Clark, Nan Goldin, Collier Schorr and Chris Burden along with contemporary Australian artists, Rozalind Drummond and Warwick Baker will call the National Portrait Gallery home during our extraordinary winter exhibition Tough and Tender.

Reg Richardson AM

Grow the Portrait Gallery of Australia

9 June 2016
Archived media releases 2016

The Portrait Gallery is calling for contributions to support in the acquisition of superb portraits for the national collection.

Macquarie video interview

General content

MDPA judge, Dr Christopher Chapman, Senior Curator, National Portrait Gallery.

Clifford Possum Study 1
Clifford Possum Study 1
Clifford Possum Study 1

Clifford Possum Study 1, 2002

Tim Johnson
Portrait, pencil and polymer vinyl paint on canvas

Gift of Morris Low 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Exhibition essays

General content

Featuring contributions from Pat Jalland, Raimond Gaita, Lee Grant, Christopher Chapman, and Anne Sanders.

New partnership with Stripy Sock

5 July 2016
Archived media releases 2016

We have a new partnership with Canberra-based leading mobile application development consultancy, Stripy Sock.

My Two Sides, 2016 by David Anthony Knight

My Two Sides, 2016

by David Anthony Knight
Image

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015

17 March 2015
Archived media releases 2015

National Portrait Gallery Director Angus Trumble invites media to the announcement of the winner and exhibition preview for the 2015 National Photographic Portrait Prize.

George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight

George Reid paperweight, c. 1910

unknown artist
Portrait, painted cast iron

Purchased 2001

George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight

George Reid paperweight, c. 1910

unknown artist
Portrait, painted cast iron

Purchased 2006

Robert 'Twogun' Rosen
Robert 'Twogun' Rosen
Robert 'Twogun' Rosen

Robert 'Twogun' Rosen, 1994

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2003
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Emily Kame Kngwarreye

Emily Kame Kngwarreye, 1995

Jenny Sages
Portrait, charcoal on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Dr. Morris Low 2000

Portrait 23: Identity

Artists and Collectives

General content

Arts Project Australia, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, ‘stArts with D’ Performance Ensemble, Abdul Abdullah, Alison Alder, Amrita Hepi, Atong Atem, Christopher Bassi, Kate Beynon, Mia Boe, Baby Guerrilla, Tarryn Gill, Julie Gough, Naomi Hobson, Deborah Kelly, Fiona McMonagle, Angelica Mesiti, Dylan Mooney, Nell, Sally Smart, Vipoo Srivilasa, Latai Taumoepeau and Kaylene Whiskey.

image not online

David McAllister to join National Portrait Gallery collection

26 April 2016
Archived media releases 2016

Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, David McAllister AM will join the Portrait Gallery’s national collection in a newly-commissioned portrait taken by illustrious Australian photographer, Peter Brew-Bevan.

Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award 2015

Previous exhibition, 2015

An annual event to extend traditional notions of portraiture and foster emerging artists with an interest in contemporary technology.

Margaret Whitlam

Glossy too

Magazine article by Christine Clark, 2005

The Glossy 2 exhibition highlights the integral role magazine photography plays in illustrating and shaping our contemporary culture.

All that fall

25 March 2015
Archived media releases 2015

Focusing on the wide-ranging themes of loss and absence, All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War creates a moving portrait of mourning and sacrifice as experienced on the Australian home front during the First World War.

Animation 1 from the series Hereinbefore, 2012 by Laura Moore, video: 1 minute

Digital Portraiture Award iD2012

Previous exhibition, 2012

The inaugural iD Digital Portraiture Award is an annual event intended to extend traditional notions of portraiture and reflects the National Portrait Gallery’s commitment to fostering emerging artists between the ages of 18 and 30 years old with an interest in contemporary technology.

Winners announced: Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award 2015

27 August 2015
Archived media releases 2015

The winners of the Macquarie Digital Portraiture Awards will be announced tomorrow morning at 10.00am at the National Portrait Gallery.

Mary Neville, Lady Dacre and Gregory Fiennes, 10th Baron Dacre, 1559 Hans Eworth

Mary Neville, Lady Dacre and Gregory Fiennes, 10th Baron Dacre

Hans Eworth
Image

Portrait 56

Autumn 2017
Magazine

Browse the history of the National Photographic Portrait Prize, Cayce Zavaglia's embroidered portraiture, and modern wedding photography!

Hugo Weaving as Horatio Farrat by Ben King Film: The Dressmaker, 2015

If you love movies, you’ll love Starstruck!

8 August 2017
Archived media releases 2017

In an unprecedented partnership, the National Portrait Gallery and National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) present a new star-studded exhibition, Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits.

Feather and the Goddess Pool, 2014 by Natalie Grono

Feather voted the people’s favourite

11 June 2015
Archived media releases 2015

The National Portrait Gallery is thrilled to announce that the People’s Choice award for this year’s National Photographic Portrait Prize goes to Natalie Grono from Byron Bay for her photograph Feather and the Goddess Pool 2014.

Gazira Babeli

doppelgänger

Previous exhibition, 2009

doppelgänger is the second in a series of virtual exhibitions held by the National Portrait Gallery that explore contemporary notions of portraiture in the online environment.

image not online

Estate of Alan Boxer

Biography

Alan Boxer, public servant, academic and art collector, was schooled in Melbourne and gained his economic qualifications in Melbourne and Oxford.

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

8 March 2018
Archived media releases 2018

Images for media use will be available from 8 March 2018.

15 minutes of frame

NPG Wellington, Edinburgh and Canberra, 10th March 2021
Recorded virtual programs

Delve into the lives, loves and labour of the world’s most prominent portrait galleries in this international conversation series.

Greta In Her Kitchen, 36 weeks, 2018 by Alana Holmberg

Winner announced for National Photographic Portrait Prize 2019

22 February 2019
Archived media releases 2019

From an outstanding field of more than 3,000 entries, culminating in a shortlist of 39 exceptional finalists, the Winner and Highly Commended entries for this year’s National Photographic Portrait Prize have been named.

Stuart, 2008

Interiors

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Christopher Chapman previews the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009.

Finalists announced for National Photographic Portrait Prize

14 November 2018
Archived media releases 2018

The National Portrait Gallery would like to congratulate the forty finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2019.

Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, August 1955 by Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon People media information

8 August 2013
Archived media releases 2013

Press releases and images downloads for media.

Field Marshal the Lord Birdwood

Centenary of ANZAC

About Face article

Just now we pause to mark the centenary of ANZAC, the day when, together with British, other imperial and allied forces, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli at the start of the ill-starred Dardanelles campaign.

Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2002

The story behind the commissioning of the tapesty portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.

Baz Luhrmann

Glossy 2

Faces, Magazines, Now
Previous exhibition, 2005

Following the success of Glossy: Faces, Magazines, Now in 1999 the National Portrait Gallery again highlights the huge array of contemporary portraiture in the pages of magazines.

"Poet of the Hawkesbury" Robert Adamson, 2012

Geoffrey Dyer
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of the artist 2013. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

image not online

Fay Zwicky, c. 1981 (printed 2018)

Jacqueline Mitelman
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2018

Megan Gale

Glamour vs grunge

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Christopher Chapman examines the battle of glamour vs. grunge which played out in the fashion and advertising of the 1990s.

Zareth, 2009

I am mine

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Dr Christopher Chapman, curator and judge of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 contextualises the themes of the exhibition.

David Warren
David Warren
David Warren

David Warren, c. 2004

an unknown artist
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Commonwealth Department of Defence 2005

Portrait 62

Autumn 2019
Magazine

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2019, the iconoclastic Japanese figures Yukio Mishima and Tamotsu Yato, Angélica Dass’ Humanæ project and more.

Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly, 1998

Rick Amor
Portrait, soft ground etching on paper.

Gift of the artist 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Peter Allen
Peter Allen
Peter Allen

Peter Allen, 1980

William Yang
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2003

Eleanor Dark
Eleanor Dark
Eleanor Dark

Eleanor Dark, c. 1935 (printed 1940)

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Timothy Fairfax AC 2003

A G Stephens
A G Stephens
A G Stephens

A G Stephens, c. 1910 (printed later)

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

Artist in residence creates portraits using brainwave zctivity

29 June 2016
Archived media releases 2016

Digital media artist, George Khut, is creating a spectacular form of digital portraiture involving public participants.

Portrait of Ali, 2014 by Hoda Afshar

Last week to vote for your favourite portrait

1 June 2015
Archived media releases 2015

The National Portrait Gallery’s National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015 will close Monday 8 June 2015, this is the last week to visit the exhibition in Canberra and vote for your favourite portrait in the People’s Choice.

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Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award 2015 finalists announced

17 August 2015
Archived media releases 2015

The National Portrait Gallery have selected the finalists for the Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award 2015.

Barry Humphries

Lewis Morley

Myself and Eye
Previous exhibition, 2003

Lewis Morley has a great eye for a shot and a sharp ear for a pun

In their own words

Audio-guide
Apps

In their own words is an audio-guide with a difference. We let the portraits of these remarkable Australians speak for themselves.

Bob Hawke

Primed

Some Prime Ministers
Previous exhibition, 2019

Seventeen of Australia’s thirty prime ministers to date are represented in the contrasting sizes, moods and mediums of these portraits.

Barbara Blackman

Restoring histories

Magazine article by Gillian Raymond, 2004

Photographic conservation practices and the restoration of the Barbara Blackman photographic portrait.

Mr and Mrs Horace Keats in the

Heartfelt

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

The portrait of Janet and Horace Keats with the spirit of the poet Christopher Brennan is brought to life by artist Dora Toovey.

Animation 1 from the series Hereinbefore, 2012 by Laura Moore

iD Digital Portraiture Award winner announced

2 August 2012
Archived media releases 2012

The inaugural winner of the $10,000 iD Digital Portraiture Award was announced this morning at the National Portrait Gallery.

Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award 2014

22 August 2014
Archived media releases 2014

Press releases for media.

More about the National Photographic Portrait Prize

General content

Comments from our judges and information about entering the 2017 Prize.

True Stories - Helen Garner

Jenny Sages

Paths to Portraiture
Previous exhibition, 2010

The exhibition Sages examines the process of portrait making through four large-scale portraits of women by Jenny Sages, paired with intimate preparatory drawings.

Our only concern is the void, 2013 by Nik Lee, video: 12 minutes

Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award media information

28 August 2013
Archived media releases 2013

The National Portrait Gallery recently announced the finalists for the Macquarie Digital Portraiture Award 2013.

Artists and guests at the
doppelgnger exhibition
launch on Portrait Island

Virtually human

Magazine article by Gillian Raymond, 2009

Gillian Raymond describes the National Portrait Gallery's second virtual exhibition doppelgänger.

Sketch of Clifton Pugh painting John Perceval
Sketch of Clifton Pugh painting John Perceval
Sketch of Clifton Pugh painting John Perceval

Sketch of Clifton Pugh painting John Perceval, 1985

Rick Amor
Portrait, pencil on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2016

Divide (Self portrait)

Dissections: Layered portraits from the collection is now open

19 August 2016
Archived media releases 2016

Dissections, showcases the hyper-realist sculptural self-portrait of artist Sam Jinks, Divide, alongside the painted portrait of philosopher David Chalmers by Nick Mourtzakis, which was commissioned by the Gallery in 2011.

Helena Rubinstein in a red brocade Balenciaga gown

Philanthropic donations enable otherwise unobtainable acquisition

20 October 2016
Archived media releases 2016

A magnanimous portrait of Helena Rubinstein has been acquired for the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

Bourgeois family: Mirror frieze, 2001 From the series Re-take of Amrita
by Vivan Sundaram

Vivan Sundaram

by Rakhee Balaram
Artist essays

Born in 1943 in Simla, Vivan Sundaram’s long career has given him opportunities to work in a range of mediums – painting, installation, assemblage, photography, digital media and film.

Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground

Seduce and Destroy

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2001

Magda Keaney explores the symbolism in eX de Medici's portrait of Midnight Oil.

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Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

Previous exhibition, 2023

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide
Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide
Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide

Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide, c. 1862

Stephen Edward Nixon
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Purchased 2018

Christian Waller with Baldur, Undine and Siren at Fairy Hills, 1932 by Napier Waller

Enigma

Magazine article by Dr Grace Blakeley-Carroll, 2015

Grace Carroll contemplates the curious case of Christian Waller.

L. Gordon Darling AC CMG

L. Gordon Darling AC CMG

31 August 2015
Archived media releases 2015

The Chairman, Board, Director and all the Staff of the National Portrait Gallery mourn the loss of our Founding Patron, who died peacefully in Melbourne this morning. He was 94.

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 winner announced

23 March 2018
Archived media releases 2018

Finalists have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Winner and Highly Commended for the National Photographic Portrait Prize since December. It is our pleasure to announce the Winner for 2018 is Lee Grant for her portrait titled Charlie and Highly Commended has been awarded to Filomena Rizzo for her portrait titled My Olivia.

Portrait23: Identity logo

Announcing... Portrait23: Identity

15 November 2022
Media

In this major new exhibition marking the National Portrait Gallery’s third decade, 23 Australian artists and collectives have been invited to create portraits without constraints or boundaries.

Elle Macpherson

Australian Visit

Previous exhibition, 2006

The exhibition will include works of art from the NPG Canberra's permanent collection with some inward loans and aims to highlight the achievements of notable Australians.

Inditchenous beestes of New Olland

About Face article

A remarkable undated drawing by Edward Lear (1812–88) blends natural history and whimsy.

Andy Thomas

Uncommon Australians

The vision of Gordon and Marilyn Darling
Previous exhibition, 2015

This exhibition showcases portraits acquired through the generosity of the National Portrait Gallery’s Founding Patrons, L Gordon Darling AC CMG and Marilyn Darling AC.

The National Portrait Gallery

In the galleries

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Christopher Chapman highlights the inaugural hang of the new National Portrait Gallery building which opened in December 2008.

The blue of the dawn, 2009 by Vittoria Dussoni

NPPP 2011 exhibition essay

General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2011 Prize.

The girls, 2017 by Tamara Dean

Snap decisions

Magazine article by Robert Cook, 2018

NPPP judge Robert Cook provides irreverent insight into this year’s fare, and having to be a bit judgemental.

The Wedding, 2022 Atong Atem

See through me

Magazine article by Penelope Grist and Rebecca Ray, 2022

Penelope Grist and Rebecca Ray talk to the artists in Portrait23: Identity about transcending modes of portraiture.

Rupert Murdoch

Corporate Characters

Magazine article by Gillian Raymond, 2005

A collection of thirty-seven caricatures by the artist Joe Greenberg capture the heroes and villians of Australian business in the 1980s.

Portrait of Cate Blanchett

The transparent mask

Magazine article by Karen Vickery, 2015

Cate Blanchett and the art of acting in Rosetzky’s digital portrait.

Charlie as he was, 2007

I'm not there

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2008
Christopher Chapman looks at some contemporary portraits that explore the construction of identity.
Barry Humphries

Talking heads

About Face article

In their own words lead researcher Louise Maher on the novel project that lets the Gallery’s portraits speak for themselves.

Dr Anne Sanders

Less than six degrees of separation

Lecture, 28 May 2011
General content

Dr Anne Sanders NPG Curatorial Researcher investigated the lives of the pioneering psychologists whose portraits are featured in Inner Worlds.

Portrait of Thea Proctor, 1905 by George Lambert

The real Thea

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

Long after the portraitist became indifferent to her, and died, a beguiling portrait hung over its subject.

Osher, 2018 by Stephen Baccon

Snap chat

Magazine article by Anne O'Hehir, 2019

2019 National Photographic Portrait Prize judge Anne O’Hehir looks beneath the surface of this year’s entries.

Yanyuwa young men, The Song Peoples Sessions CD Launch Rehearsals, Yanyuwa Country, 2012 Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis

Us being ourselves

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2022

Penelope Grist talks to photographer Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis about capturing moments, telling stories and keeping Culture strong.

Chet Baker, singer, New York City, January 16, 1986 by Richard Avedon

The existential lens

Magazine article by Stephen Zagala, 2013

Stephen Zagala discusses Richard Avedon’s work from an Australian perspective.

Thua Tich, South Vietnam, 1969-06 by Christopher Bellis

The jungle look

Magazine article by David Gist, 2019

David Gist steps beyond the public relations veneer of Australia’s official Vietnam War portrait photographs.

George Reid paperweight

Some prime ministers

General content

Sarah Engledow explores the history of the prime ministers and artists featured in the exhibition.

NPPP finalists

20 20

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2017

Sarah Engledow picks some favourites from a decade of the National Photographic Portrait Prize.

Life Dancers, 2015 by Elizabeth Looker

NPPP 2016 exhibition essay

General content

Penny Grist, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2016 Prize.

Revd Dr Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, c.1795 by Sir Henry Raeburn

Great Scots

Magazine article by Diana O'Neil, 2017

Diana O’Neil samples the tartan treats on offer in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Janice Wakely

Generous Janice

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013

Dr Sarah Engledow puts four gifts to the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection in context.

Helen Borthwick née Pearson

The personal and the historical

About Face article

Where do we draw a line between the personal and the historical? Although she died in Melbourne in 1975, when I was not quite eleven years old, I have the vividest memories of my maternal grandmother Helen Borthwick.

Virginia Woolf, 1902 George Charles Beresford

Love my way

Magazine article by Inga Walton, 2022

Inga Walton delves into the bohemian group of artists and writers who used each other as muses and transformed British culture.

20/20 launch speech

About Face article

Dr Helen Nugent AO, Chairman, National Portrait Gallery at the opening of 20/20: Celebrating twenty years with twenty new portrait commissions.

Untitled #21/09 (after Ricci, 1700; featuring Matthew Mitcham)

Getting bare

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2015

How seven portraits within Bare reveal in a public portrait parts of the body and elements of life usually located in the private sphere.

Trevor Jamieson, 2016 by Brett Canet-Gibson

The more things change...

NPPP 2017 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2017 Prize.

Patrick Ryan, 1968 by Mark Strizic

The silent partner

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

One half of the team that was Eltham Films left scarcely a trace in the written historical record, but survives in a vivid portrait.

The Bare story

General content

Curator, Penny Grist, reveals how this exhibition came to be

David Marr, 2011 by Nicholas Harding

Nicholas Harding: 28 Portraits

Exhibition essay
General content

Sarah Engledow looks at three decades of Nicholas Harding's portraiture.

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