
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



Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2004

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.



Commissioned with funds provided by Hayley Baillie and James Baillie 2023

Our most recent commission, the portrait of Maggie Beer by Del Kathryn Barton both combines a statuesque almost devotional likeness with a spell-binding and dream-like personalised symbology of the sitter.

This issue features Del Kathryn Barton, Renaissance Portraiture in New York, Australian impressionists, Nikki Toole’s Skater project, National Photographic Portrait Prize, Andrew Maccoll & Mick Fanning and more.



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.

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



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

Celebrate Floriade with a free tour exploring this year’s theme, ‘Feast of Flowers’!

Kim Leutwyler on her portraits of the LGBTQIA+ community, Oliver Giles chats to Polly Borland, Gunggandji artist Simone Arnol, and Andrew Quilty's new book.

Reconnect and reflect with our new major exhibition, Australian Love Stories (in real life!) as we explore love, affection and connection in all its guises.



Commissioned with funds provided by Hayley Baillie 2025