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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.

Portrait 59

Autumn 2018

The Life of Riley, 2014 by Brett Canet-Gibson

Observation Point

by Brett Canét-Gibson

Portrait photography, by definition, is a collaboration. It is also the grandest of lies masquerading as the ultimate truth.

Snap decisions

by Robert Cook

NPPP judge Robert Cook provides irreverent insight into this year’s fare, and having to be a bit judgemental.

The Window Seat, 1907 by Frances Hodgkins

Kiwi magpie

by Penelope Grist

Penelope Grist finds inspiration in pioneering New Zealand artist, Frances Hodgkins.

The artist and her family, c. 1854 by Martha Berkeley

Presence and absence

by Joanna Gilmour

The art of Australia’s colonial women painters affords us an invaluable, alternative perspective on the nascent nation-building project.

The life of Bryant

by Tenille Hands

Tenille Hands explores a portrait prize gifted to the National Screen and Sound Archive.

The Obama effect

by Kim Sajet

Kim Sajet reflects on two portraits with a power that extends beyond gallery walls.

Greek Orthodox Priest, 2015 by Sarah Ball

Hope for kindness

by Dr Sarah Engledow

Sarah Engledow arrives at the junction of fate and hope in Sarah Ball’s poignant Immigrants series.

Selfhood transcended

by Dr Anne Sanders and Dr Christopher Chapman

Anne Sanders and Christopher Chapman bring passionate characterisation to Express Yourself, the Portrait Gallery collection exhibition celebrating iconoclastic Australians.