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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.

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My father, 2021

Anna Gottlieb

Living Memory Finalist

My father and I had a deep connection that was not diminished after he suffered a hypoxic brain injury, the result of a heart attack. In accordance with his wishes, I had him cremated when he passed away. I had no idea that afterwards I would struggle so much with this. He no longer had a place, something that helps maintain a connection with our memories. My father now remains in limbo – in a container, in a paper bag, in a cupboard – and it is not where he should be. This is a portrait of my father with his grandson.

Courtesy of the artist
© The artist

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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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