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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.

Malak, mother of 12, Lebanon, 2024

Ayman Kaake

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 Finalist

pigment photographic print on paper (image: 64.5cm x 98.5cm. sheet: 70.0cm x 104.0cm. frame: 68.7cm x 102.7cm depth 6cm)
Malak, mother of 12, Lebanon, 2024

‘This photograph captures a moment of quiet reflection as my mother rests on the couch with her cigarette. After six years in Australia away from Lebanon, I returned home to surprise her. She immediately prepared my favourite meals. Exhausted from cooking all day, she came to the salon, lit her cigarette, and lay down while pots simmered on the stove. My leaving home has strengthened our relationship in ways we never experienced when we lived under the same roof. The photo is a testament to our newfound appreciation and connection.’

Ayman Kaake is a queer Lebanon-born Australian photo-media artist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Through contemplative portraiture Kaake explores diasporic melancholy and the agony of exile.

People's Choice Award

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025

The People’s Choice Award is generously supported by the Calvert-Jones Foundation, with the artist who wins the most votes receiving $10,000.

Voting closes Sunday 28 September 2025.

Submit vote

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025
(More information, View all 48 photos)

120 Racecourse Road
Sonny Jane Wise
Kyanne, Aurukun NAIDOC Formal Ball
Lurking

Other NPPP photos from Ayman Kaake
(More information)

In Leopard Print, 2021 Ayman Kaake
2022 Finalist

Related information

Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar
Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar
Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar
Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot), 2024 Hoda Afshar

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025

Current exhibition

from Saturday 16 August

The NPPP is an annual prize for Australian photographers. The year’s most outstanding photographic portrait is awarded a $30,000 cash prize and photographic equipment valued at $20,000 courtesy of our Imaging Partner, Canon Australia.
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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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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