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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.

The art of multiplicity

Meredith Hughes explores a key Portrait Gallery work, emerging into the infinite iterations of identity.

More information on The art of multiplicity

Selected images

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Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton, 2009 Brook Andrew, Trent Walter. © Brook Andrew
Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasuramardini), c. 101 AD – 200 AD
Goddess Durga Slaying the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasuramardini), c. 101 AD – 200 AD
The Goddess Green Tara: Kham Province Eastern Tibet 19th century
The Goddess Green Tara: Kham Province Eastern Tibet 19th century
Solarised double portrait, 1930s by Man Ray
Solarised double portrait, 1930s by Man Ray
Belle Haleine, Eau de Voilette, 1920-21 by Man Ray
Belle Haleine, Eau de Voilette, 1920-21 by Man Ray
Photogravure from book Unavowed confessions (Aveux non avenus) Paris: Editions du Carrefour 1930 by Claude Cahun
Photogravure from book Unavowed confessions (Aveux non avenus) Paris: Editions du Carrefour 1930 by Claude Cahun
Photogravure from book Unavowed confessions (Aveux non avenus) Paris: Editions du Carrefour 1930 by Claude Cahun
Photogravure from book Unavowed confessions (Aveux non avenus) Paris: Editions du Carrefour 1930 by Claude Cahun
Self portrait (seated cross legged like Buddha) 1927 by Claude Cahun (Lucy Schwob)
Self portrait (seated cross legged like Buddha) 1927 by Claude Cahun (Lucy Schwob)
I am in training don't kiss me, 1927 by Claude Cahun (Lucy Schwob)
I am in training don't kiss me, 1927 by Claude Cahun (Lucy Schwob)
Que me veux-tu? 1928 by Claude Cahun (Lucy Schwob)
Que me veux-tu? 1928 by Claude Cahun (Lucy Schwob)
Untitled film still #21, 1978 by Cindy Sherman
Untitled film still #21, 1978 by Cindy Sherman
Pratibimba III, 1998-2002 by Mariko Mori
Pratibimba III, 1998-2002 by Mariko Mori
Cracking the whip, 2000–04 (printed 2016) by Pushpamala N
Cracking the whip, 2000–04 (printed 2016) by Pushpamala N
Kali (after 1908 Calcutta Art Studio print), 2014 by Pushpamala N
Kali (after 1908 Calcutta Art Studio print), 2014 by Pushpamala N
14 images
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Related information

Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton
Marcia Langton

Portrait Quest!

Civics and Citizenship (upper primary)

9:15am, Tue 20 May – Thu 26 Jun

Join us for an interactive, curriculum-aligned program that explores the lives and contributions of significant Australians.
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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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