Browse the portrait stories
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Portrait Stories use video, multimedia and sound to present the stories of the artists and subjects in the National Portrait Gallery's collection. This series is produced with funds donated by Tim Fairfax AC.

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Nikki Toole

Beauty and strength

4 minutes 53 seconds

Photographer Nikki Toole describes the creation of her portrait of Rosie Batty.

Rosie Batty interview video: 10 minutes 52 seconds

Rosie Batty

Portrait Story

10 minutes 52 seconds

The 2015 Australian of the Year talks about grief and searching for recognition of, and action on, domestic violence.

David McAllister video: 4 minutes 45 seconds

David McAllister

'Complex stories without words'

4 minutes 45 seconds

Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, David McAllister describes the trajectory of his relationship with dance.

Ken Done

'I am very Sydney'

3 minutes 36 seconds

Iconic Australian artist Ken Done discusses his life and career as a painter.

Mark Loane

'The small space we are given'

4 minutes 34 seconds

Ophthalmic surgeon and former Wallabies Captain, Mark Loane, discusses his sporting and professional career.

Christos Tsiolkas video: 4 minutes 35 seconds

Christos Tsiolkas

'Learning to write saved my life'

4 minutes 35 seconds

Acclaimed Australian author, Christos Tsiolkas describes his childhood and how he came to write.