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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.

Stepping out

Australian Love Stories online
 

In 2020, the National Portrait Gallery asked Nick Cave to tell us the story behind this 1998 portrait.

Nick Cave, Susie Bick and Luke Cave, 1998 (printed 2020) Dominique Issermann. Courtesy of the artist © Dominique Issermann
Nick Cave, Susie Bick and Luke Cave, 1998 (printed 2020) Dominique Issermann. Courtesy of the artist © Dominique Issermann

This is what he sent to us: ‘Susie and I had just met. I was staying in a country house with a garden in West Cork, drying out for a while. I was with my little boy, Luke. Susie came to the garden to visit me with her dear friend and photographer Dominique Issermann. Dominique has a concealed and surreptitious way with her camera and has taken many extraordinary photos of Susie and me, over the years. Susie and I are taking a “country walk”. I love that neither of us clearly have any idea how to navigate the countryside — me in my suit and Susie in her heels. Little Luke is racing off into the distance. Susie and I look like we are walking on the moon. These were our first hesitant and supported steps into a beautiful life together.’

That’s one to get your heart started! You are 9 stories away from seeing your love score...

Choose your next love story

Self portrait, 1930 Margaret Preston. © Art Gallery of New South Wales, gift of the artist at the request of the Trustees 1930
Self portrait, 1930 Margaret Preston. © Art Gallery of New South Wales, gift of the artist at the request of the Trustees 1930
Self portrait, 1930 Margaret Preston. © Art Gallery of New South Wales, gift of the artist at the request of the Trustees 1930
Self portrait, 1930 Margaret Preston. © Art Gallery of New South Wales, gift of the artist at the request of the Trustees 1930

In the company of women

Portrait of Mrs Tom Roberts
Portrait of Mrs Tom Roberts
Portrait of Mrs Tom Roberts
Portrait of Mrs Tom Roberts

Talented wife for a talented husband

Arcadia (Wayne Lynch and Bob McTavish)
Arcadia (Wayne Lynch and Bob McTavish)
Arcadia (Wayne Lynch and Bob McTavish)
Arcadia (Wayne Lynch and Bob McTavish)

Barrels, bliss and brotherhood

Robert H. Black MD
Robert H. Black MD
Robert H. Black MD
Robert H. Black MD

Art, war, scandal

Studio self-portrait, 2018 Vincent Namatjira OAM
Studio self-portrait, 2018 Vincent Namatjira OAM
Studio self-portrait, 2018 Vincent Namatjira OAM
Studio self-portrait, 2018 Vincent Namatjira OAM

Country, culture, connection

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Phone +61 2 6102 7000
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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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

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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