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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 (printed 2026)

Ayman Kaake

pigment photographic print on paper (sheet: 66.7cm x 100cm)
Malak, Mother of 12, Lebanon, 2024 (printed 2026)

‘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 Lebanon-born Australian photo-media artist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Through his practice he explores diasporic identity, memory and the agony of exile.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 Finalist

National Photographic Portrait Prize
(More information, View all 21 images)

She Fell Asleep During the Movie
Shirley
Fragility
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
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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.

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.

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