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Enter the intricate and elaborate worlds of contemporary artists Del Kathryn Barton, Emily Hunt and Jess Johnson.



Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2004

Browse the full list of portraits from the collection that are on view now.



Commissioned with funds provided by Hayley Baillie and James Baillie 2023

Maggie Beer and Del Kathryn Barton on symbolism and beauty.

It was a riot of colour in the Gallery as we welcomed Del Kathryn Barton’s portrait of Maggie Beer AO into the collection.

Del Kathryn Barton (b.1972) lives and works in Sydney. She is one of Australia's most celebrated contemporary artists, famous for her figurative paintings that feature fantastical characters posed against ornate—and sometimes psychedelic—backgrounds.
1 portrait in the collection



Gift of Janet, Andrew, Kathryn and Eleanor Ramsay, daughters and son of Alexander Maurice Ramsay and Amy Jane Ramsay 2010. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.



Commissioned with funds provided by Hayley Baillie 2025

Join contemporary artists Del Kathryn Barton, Emily Hunt and Jess Johnson for a lively discussion about their exhibition Maiden Mother Crone.

Del Kathryn Barton discusses ideas of portraiture through two of her own artworks.

Step into our creative space and design your own talisman, an object that brings good luck.

In accordance with the Australian Public Service Commission’s Guidance for Agency Heads on Gifts and Benefits, the National Portrait Gallery will maintain a register of gifts and benefits accepted by its Director and publicly disclose any that are over $100 in value.

A major new exhibition celebrating love in all its guises. Opening 20 March 2021.

To celebrate the new exhibition Australian Love Stories, renowned Australian glass artist Harriet Schwarzrock has been commissioned to make a large-scale installation reflecting on the role the heart plays as our emotional centre.

Glynis Traill-Nash on Samuel Hodge’s portrait of Romance Was Born.