Michael Hutchence (1960 - 1997) was the charismatic lead singer of the rock band INXS, whose first album, INXS, was released in 1980. The group was quick to pursue success overseas and by 1985, when Hutchence starred in the film Dogs in Space, they were contenders in the competitive US music arena. They were the only Australian group to play at the historic Live Aid concert in the early 80s and are credited with facilitating the subsequent international success of Australian bands such as Midnight Oil and Crowded House. By 1988 INXS was arguably the most successful Australian band ever with sales of their sixth album, Kick, around 7.5 million worldwide and a world rating of third most popular group. Their success continued with their 1991 albums Live Baby Live and X. Hutchence died in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Double Bay in November 1997.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2000
© Polly Borland
Accession number: 2000.6
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On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
An interview with photographer Harry Borden about his portrait of Michael Hutchence.
Polly Borland's photograph of The Queen was commissioned by Buckingham Palace as part of a series of high profile celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee.
This article examines the photographic portraiture of Polly Borland.
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