Skip to main content
Menu

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.

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, c. 1983

William Kelly OAM
Portrait, screenprint on paper

Purchased 2022

The Bushranger Tragedy (from The Australasian Sketcher, 23 November 1878)
The Bushranger Tragedy (from The Australasian Sketcher, 23 November 1878)
The Bushranger Tragedy (from The Australasian Sketcher, 23 November 1878)

The Bushranger Tragedy (from The Australasian Sketcher, 23 November 1878), 1878

an unknown artist, The Australasian Sketcher
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2003

Paul Kelly, 1992 by Wendy McDougall

Paul Kelly and The Portraits

Previous exhibition, 2013

Aspects of singer songwriter Paul Kelly’s performance persona are communicated by portraits selected from a range of artists and leading music photographers in this focus exhibition.

Runners, 2010 by David Kelly

Runners, 2010

by David Kelly
Image
Eddie Liu, 2012 by David Kelly

Eddie Liu, 2012

by David Kelly
Image
The Saviour, 2019 Kelly Champion

The Saviour, 2019

Kelly Champion
Image
Phrenology video: 3 minutes 25 seconds

Ned Kelly and death masks

'Judge a person by their cover'
Portrait story

Alexandra Roginski explains the history behind the pseudo-science of phrenology.

Capture of the Kelly Gang of Australian Bushrangers
Capture of the Kelly Gang of Australian Bushrangers
Capture of the Kelly Gang of Australian Bushrangers

Capture of the Kelly Gang of Australian Bushrangers, 1880

The Graphic
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2018

Shane Balcomb aka. Sasha Trajik-Mole, drag queen, 2011 by David Kelly

Shane Balcomb aka. Sasha Trajik-Mole, drag queen, 2011

by David Kelly
Image
Justin Shoulder, 2014, printed 2022, augmented 2023 Deborah Kelly

Justin Shoulder

Deborah Kelly
Image
Ned Kelly the Bushranger (from The Australasian Sketcher, 7 August 1880)
Ned Kelly the Bushranger (from The Australasian Sketcher, 7 August 1880)
Ned Kelly the Bushranger (from The Australasian Sketcher, 7 August 1880)

Ned Kelly the Bushranger (from The Australasian Sketcher, 7 August 1880), 1880

an unknown artist
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2002

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, 2004

Jon Campbell
Portrait, synthetic polymer and enamel paint on canvas

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2004

Don Walker, 2006 by Nathan David Kelly

Don Walker, 2006

by Nathan David Kelly
Image
Henry
Henry
Henry

Henry "Seaman" Dan, 2009

Nathan Kelly
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2010

Front cover of Journal des Voyages Sunday 20 July 1884 depicting 'Les Batteurs de Buisson en Australie - Une balle avait atteint le bandit au genou'
Front cover of Journal des Voyages Sunday 20 July 1884 depicting 'Les Batteurs de Buisson en Australie - Une balle avait atteint le bandit au genou'
Front cover of Journal des Voyages Sunday 20 July 1884 depicting 'Les Batteurs de Buisson en Australie - Une balle avait atteint le bandit au genou'

Front cover of Journal des Voyages Sunday 20 July 1884 depicting 'Les Batteurs de Buisson en Australie - Une balle avait atteint le bandit au genou', 1884

Perrychon after Castelli
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2012

Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld
Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld
Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld

Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld, 2004

John Elliott
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, 2007

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008

Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly, 1998

Rick Amor
Portrait, soft ground etching on paper.

Gift of the artist 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, 2013

Warwick Thornton
Portrait, single channel moving image, colour, sound, 8 minutes 54 seconds

Commissioned with funds provided by Ian Darling 2013

Kelly in the Guard's Van en route to Beechworth (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)
Kelly in the Guard's Van en route to Beechworth (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)
Kelly in the Guard's Van en route to Beechworth (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)

Kelly in the Guard's Van en route to Beechworth (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880), 1880

Tom Carrington, The Australasian Sketcher
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2017

Gail Kelly
Gail Kelly
Gail Kelly

Gail Kelly, 2018

Paul Newton
Portrait, oil on canvas

Commissioned with funds provided by Westpac Group and Optus 2018

Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly

Ned Kelly, 1880

The Illustrated London News
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2018

Ned Kelly's armour (from The Australasian Sketcher, 3 July 1880)
Ned Kelly's armour (from The Australasian Sketcher, 3 July 1880)
Ned Kelly's armour (from The Australasian Sketcher, 3 July 1880)

Ned Kelly's armour (from The Australasian Sketcher, 3 July 1880), 1880

Tom Carrington, The Australasian Sketcher
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2017

Neilma Gantner
Neilma Gantner
Neilma Gantner

Neilma Gantner, c. 1990

William Kelly OAM
Portrait, charcoal on paper

Purchased 2022

Paul Kelly 30.11.1980 by Liz Reed

Pop poet

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders, 2013

Dr Anne Sanders previews the works in the new focus exhibition Paul Kelly and The Portraits.

Ned Kelly death mask
Ned Kelly death mask
Ned Kelly death mask

Ned Kelly death mask, date unknown

an unknown artist after Maximilian Kreitmayer
Portrait, cast plaster

Collection: National Portrait Gallery Study Collection, Canberra
Gift of John Molony 2018

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly, 2007

Peter Brew-Bevan
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2012

Archbishop Michael Kelly
Archbishop Michael Kelly
Archbishop Michael Kelly

Archbishop Michael Kelly, c. 1924 (cast 2010)

Arthur Murch
Portrait, cast bronze on black granite plinth

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Queen's Birthday Weekend, 2013 by Alan Hill and Kelly Hussey-Smith

Queen's Birthday Weekend, 2013

by Alan Hill and Kelly Hussey-Smith
Image
Paul Kelly

Before Too Long

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2004

The story behind the creation of the portrait of singer-songwriter Paul Kelly by the artist Jon Campbell.

John Gorton
John Gorton
John Gorton

John Gorton, 1997

Nathan Kelly
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002

Bee Miles

Good, bad and the ugly

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

Michael Desmond explores what makes a portrait subject significant.

Mark and Nick Seymour
Mark and Nick Seymour
Mark and Nick Seymour

Mark and Nick Seymour, 1997

Nathan Kelly
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2005

The Kelly Gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)
The Kelly Gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)
The Kelly Gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)

The Kelly Gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880), 1880

Tom Carrington, The Australasian Sketcher
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2017

Paul Kelly 30.11.1980 by Liz Reed

Paul Kelly

Learning resource archive

A companion to our 2013 exhibition Paul Kelly & The Portraits. For Year 7 to Year 12 students.

Paul Kelly, 1992 by Wendy McDougall

Paul Kelly and The Portraits media information

18 June 2013
Archived media releases 2013

Paul Kelly & The Portraits presents a multifaceted image of the performer over the course of his career.

The Destruction of the Kelly gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)
The Destruction of the Kelly gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)
The Destruction of the Kelly gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880)

The Destruction of the Kelly gang (from The Australasian Sketcher, 17 July 1880), 1880

Tom Carrington, The Australasian Sketcher
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2017

Prison photograph of Ned Kelly c.1873, image courtesy National Museum of Australia.

The outlaws coolly disported themselves

Ned Kelly & co at Euroa, 9 and 10 December 1878
About Face article

'Each man arrayed himself in a new rig from head to foot, and even such luxuries as soaps and perfumery were not despised'

Deborah Kelly sitting on a blue couch in a room with artworks on the walls

Deborah Kelly

Artists and Collectives

Deborah Kelly, based between Gadigal Country, Sydney and Jerrinja Country, Currarong, is known for her multi-disciplinary, exuberant and diverse participatory collages and costumes that come to life in workshops and performances.

Peter Carey in Kelly country
Peter Carey in Kelly country
Peter Carey in Kelly country

Peter Carey in Kelly country, 2000

Bruce Armstrong
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint on board

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Gail Kelly

Gail Kelly, 2018

by Paul Newton
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Westpac Group and Optus 2018

JAMIE BIANCA in the style of Grace Kelly, 2021 Tom Evangelidis

JAMIE BIANCA in the style of Grace Kelly

Tom Evangelidis
Image

Portrait 45

Winter 2013
Magazine

This issue features Paul Kelly, Rineke Dijkstra, John Brack, the National Photographic Portrait Prize and more.

image not online

image not online

image not online

Portrait 13

September - November 2004
Magazine

This issue of Portrait Magazine features Nancy Wake, Jon Campbell's portrait of Paul Kelly, George Selth Coppin, Henri Cartier-Bresson and more.

Prison and death in the 19th century

Two iBooks of authentic records
Learning resources

These books include sixteen inmates including Ned Kelly, Captain Moonlite and Frederick Deeming and twelve sketches of the deceased, including several children. For Year 7 – 9 students.

12 Untitled Self Portraits (Set 3)
12 Untitled Self Portraits (Set 3)
12 Untitled Self Portraits (Set 3)

12 Untitled Self Portraits (Set 3), 1990

Mike Parr, John Loane
Portrait, drypoint on 12 sheets of paper, unique state prints on paper

Gift of Sara Kelly 2010. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Queenie McKenzie Nakara

She saved his life. He showed her painting.

Nearest & Dearest

Leaders, painters, friends

Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody
Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody
Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody

Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody, 2006

Peter Hudson
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on composition board

Courtesy of Kev Carmody, Song Cycles Pty Ltd.

Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel 1984 (detail) Grant Matthews

Pub Rock

Your backstage pass to 70s and 80s sounds and scenes
Previous exhibition, 2020

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.

Kel, 2018 Tom Farrell

Kel, 2018

Tom Farrell
Image
Portrait 23: Identity

Artists and Collectives

General content

Arts Project Australia, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, ‘stArts with D’ Performance Ensemble, Abdul Abdullah, Alison Alder, Amrita Hepi, Atong Atem, Christopher Bassi, Kate Beynon, Mia Boe, Baby Guerrilla, Tarryn Gill, Julie Gough, Naomi Hobson, Deborah Kelly, Fiona McMonagle, Angelica Mesiti, Dylan Mooney, Nell, Sally Smart, Vipoo Srivilasa, Latai Taumoepeau and Kaylene Whiskey.

Nine square images of previous winners of the National Photographic Portrait Prize

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

Upcoming exhibition

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Self-portrait, 1981 Robert Mappelthorpe

The Possibilities of Portraiture

Previous exhibition, 1999

What does 'portraiture mean at the end of the 20th century? At the outset of building a national portrait collection it seems an appropriate question to investigate.

Self portrait

Me Myself I

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2001

Andrew Sayers explores the self-portraits created by Australian artist Sidney Nolan.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal at Moongalba

Proof

Portraits from The Movement 1978-2003
Previous exhibition, 2003

Portraits from The Movement is the first comprehensive survey of photographs from the Juno Gemes archive, which has supported the Aboriginal struggle for justice in Australia from 1978 to the present day.

Madame Sibly, Phrenologist and Mesmerist
Madame Sibly, Phrenologist and Mesmerist
Madame Sibly, Phrenologist and Mesmerist

Madame Sibly, Phrenologist and Mesmerist, c. 1870

James E. Bray
Portrait, albumen silver carte de visite photograph

Purchased 2017

Archie Roach
Archie Roach
Archie Roach

Archie Roach, 1992 (printed 2010)

Bill McAuley
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2010

Latai Taumoepeau and Justin Shoulder, 2014, printed, augmented 2023 from the series No Human Being Is Illegal (in all our glory) 2014–18 Deborah Kelly

A stitch in time: Participating in portraiture

About Face article

Author and embroidery enthusiast Emma Batchelor shares her experience of joining a sewing circle with Portrait23: Identity artist Deborah Kelly.

Peter Carey
Peter Carey
Peter Carey

Peter Carey, 1989

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2003. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Self portrait

Nolan Heads

Previous exhibition, 2001

Nolan Heads will focus on the portraiture of one of Australia's most original painters and one of the few to have achieved an international reputation

Sidney Nolan
Sidney Nolan
Sidney Nolan

Sidney Nolan, 1964

Axel Poignant
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2003

Peter Carey
Peter Carey
Peter Carey

Peter Carey, 1989 (printed 2002)

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Mia Boe standing on striped rugs on a concrete floor, in a room with scattered paintings around the walls

Mia Boe

Artists and Collectives

Mia Boe is a Narrm/Melbourne-based artist known for her haunting and evocative painting practice, informed by her Butchulla and Burmese ancestry.

Archie Roach
Archie Roach
Archie Roach

Archie Roach, 2008

Peter Hudson
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on composition board

Gift of the artist 2010. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

James Mollison
James Mollison
James Mollison

James Mollison, c. 1973 (printed 2004)

Wesley Stacey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of James Mollison AO 2004

Robert, Lindy, Grant

Face the music

Magazine article by Christine Clark, 2005

Drawn from the Gallery's collection, the exhibition Face the Music explores the remarkable talents and achievements of Australian musicians, composers, conductors and celebrities associated with the music industry.

Mal Meninga

Mal Meninga, 2018

by Peter Hudson
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Maliganis Edwards Johnson and Alan Dodge AM 2018

Self portrait

Self Creation

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2006

Former National Portrait Gallery Director, Andrew Sayers recalls meeting iconic Australian artist Sidney Nolan.

 

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 1988

Sidney Nolan
Portrait, oil on composition board

Gift of Hon RL Hunter KC 2006. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Joan Croll
Joan Croll
Joan Croll

Joan Croll, 1976

John Brack
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Frank Croll and Dr Joan Croll AO 2001. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Study for portrait of Joan Croll
Study for portrait of Joan Croll
Study for portrait of Joan Croll

Study for portrait of Joan Croll, 1976

John Brack
Portrait, conté crayon on paper

Gift of Dr Joan Croll AO 2007. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Yami Lester speaks at Uluru Handback Ceremony
Yami Lester speaks at Uluru Handback Ceremony
Yami Lester speaks at Uluru Handback Ceremony

Yami Lester speaks at Uluru Handback Ceremony, 1985 (printed 2003)

Juno Gemes
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

James Mollison
James Mollison
James Mollison

James Mollison, c. 1973 (printed 2004)

Wesley Stacey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of James Mollison AO 2004

Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts, 2003

Peter Brew-Bevan
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2004

Mandawuy Yunupingu
Mandawuy Yunupingu
Mandawuy Yunupingu

Mandawuy Yunupingu, 1991 (printed 2011)

Lorrie Graham
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011

Mandawuy Yunupingu, NT
Mandawuy Yunupingu, NT
Mandawuy Yunupingu, NT

Mandawuy Yunupingu, NT, 2004

John Elliott
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Ruby Hunter
Ruby Hunter
Ruby Hunter

Ruby Hunter, 1996 (printed 2012)

Jacqueline Mitelman
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2012

Waiting for Zipporah (Christine Anu)
Waiting for Zipporah (Christine Anu)
Waiting for Zipporah (Christine Anu)

Waiting for Zipporah (Christine Anu), 2002

Elizabeth Barden
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2004

Eileen Dunne in The Hospital for Sick Children, 1940
	 by Cecil Beaton

Cecil Beaton

Portraits
Previous exhibition, 2005

Accomplished illustrator, painter, writer and diarist, set designer and one of the most distinguished photographers of the twentieth century, Cecil Beaton is renowned for his portraits of well known faces from the worlds of fashion, literature, and film.

Rachel Griffiths
Rachel Griffiths
Rachel Griffiths

Rachel Griffiths, 2002 (printed 2004)

Karin Catt
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2005

The Rays, 1970 
Raindance Corporation, Frank Gillette, Michael Shamberg, Paul Ryan

Post digital

Magazine article by Tegan Mcauley, 2015

Tegan McAuley looks at the evolution of video portraiture.

image not online

Icons Syndicate

Lists alphabetically
Honour board
Heath Ledger, Prague
Heath Ledger, Prague
Heath Ledger, Prague

Heath Ledger, Prague, 2000 (printed 2009)

Bruce Weber
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased with the assistance of Alan Dodge AM 2009

Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky

Paul Grabowsky, 2009

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Patrick Corrigan AM 2009

Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky

Paul Grabowsky, 2009

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Patrick Corrigan AM 2009

Sidney Nolan, Western Australia
Sidney Nolan, Western Australia
Sidney Nolan, Western Australia

Sidney Nolan, Western Australia, 1962 (printed 2000)

David Moore
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2001. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
The series 'David Moore: From Face to Face' was acquired as a gift of the artist and with financial assistance from Timothy Fairfax AC and L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2001.

Andrew George Scott, alias Captain Moonlite, c.1879 attributed to Charles Nettleton

The Portrait Gallery

General content

Photography played a significant role in the circulation of messages about law and order, and in the creation of sensation and celebrity. 

Mark Richards
Mark Richards
Mark Richards

Mark Richards, 1976

John Witzig
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2007

Phrenology video: 3 minutes 25 seconds

Judge a person by their cover

Death masks and phrenology
General content

Alexandra Roginski explains the history behind the pseudo-science of phrenology, popular in the nineteenth century.

Ned Kelly death mask

Sideshow Alley: Infamy, the macabre & the portrait

5 December 2015
Archived media releases 2015

Bushrangers, oddities, true crime and scandal come together in this modern day cabinet of curiosities.

Fans at an Easybeats concert, Sydney Stadium, 1965 Bob King

Oz Origins

A little bit louder now
General content

Australia’s passion for rock ‘n roll was kindled by American and British acts in the 1950s and 60s. The novel genre’s driving, licentious rhythms and voices captured imaginations and libidos, not to mention aspiring young musicians.

image not online

Karen Quinlan AM

Biography

Karen Quinlan AM took up her appointment as Director of the National Portrait Gallery in December 2018. Karen commenced her curatorial career in 1994 at National Gallery of Victoria before becoming Curator of Bendigo Art Gallery in 1996, and the Director of Bendigo Art Gallery from 2000 until 2018. Karen was a Professor of Practice and previously Director of the La Trobe Art Institute La Trobe University, a former Trustee of the State Library of Victoria, Board Member and former Chair of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria.

Cate Blanchett

Australians in Hollywood

Previous exhibition, 2003

Although perceived to be a recent phenomenon, the 'Aussie invasion' of Hollywood can actually be traced as far back as the early 1900s

Ian Thorpe

Collection: Icons

Volume Two
Previous exhibition, 2018

The second instalment of a display featuring bold contemporary portraits drawn from the collection. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

Dorothy Porter
Dorothy Porter
Dorothy Porter

Dorothy Porter, 2001-2002

Rick Amor
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Andrea Goldsmith 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari

A handful of sand

Magazine article by Ellen Kent, 2007

Ellen Kent examines the portrait of Vincent Lingiari and Prime Minister Gough Whitlam taken by photographer Mervyn Bishop.

Barry Humphries

Lewis Morley

Myself and Eye
Previous exhibition, 2003

Lewis Morley has a great eye for a shot and a sharp ear for a pun

Neil Armfield
Neil Armfield
Neil Armfield

Neil Armfield, 2010

Adam Cullen
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Commissioned 2010

Akira Isogawa

Peter Brew-Bevan Portraits

Previous exhibition, 2005

In this exhibition Sydney based photographer Peter Brew-Bevan brings together an intimate collection of works that highlight his passion for the genre of portraiture over the last 10 years

Margaret Whitlam

Open Air

Portraits in the Landscape
Previous exhibition, 2008

Open Air is an exhibition of portraits of Australians in environments of particular significance to them.

Ned Kelly death mask

Sideshow Alley

Infamy, the macabre & the portrait
Previous exhibition, 2015

Death masks, post-mortem drawings and other spooky and disquieting portraits... Come and see how portraits of infamous Australians were used in the 19th century.

Dan Sultan

Dan the man

Magazine article by India Bednall, 2015

Martin Philbey’s portrait of Dan Sultan.

Nothing's as precious as a hole in the ground

Protest!

How can we dance when our earth is turning?
General content

Rock’s raw potency made it the ideal medium for fomenting protest. The 1970s, 80s and onwards saw calls for social and environmental justice ring out through song.

Professor Peter Doherty

Rick Amor

21 Portraits
Previous exhibition, 2014

Rick Amor, noblest yet most unaffected of contemporary Australian portraitists, is also a painter of enigmatic, ominous landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes that haunt the viewer like dreams, dimly-recalled.

The mahi-mahi, 2019 Rob Palmer

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020

Previous exhibition, 2020

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Study of Louis Nowra

Summertime Fun at the National Portrait Gallery

4 January 2019
Archived media releases 2019

Escape the heat this summer and step inside the National Portrait Gallery for an array of family-fun activities. From storytelling and drawing to music and art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Gallery.

Jessica Mauboy

National Portrait Gallery unveils twenty new portrait commissions to celebrate twenty years

18 October 2018
Archived media releases 2018

The National Portrait Gallery has unveiled twenty new portrait commissions of Australian leaders and individualists as part of its twentieth birthday celebrations in a new exhibition, 20/20: Celebrating twenty years with twenty new portrait commissions.

Layla 2020 Veronica Watson, pencil on paper. Layla 2020 Sarah McEwan, fabric, acrylic on MDF. Self portrait 2020 Layla Bacayo, drypoint on paper. Image: Sarah McEwan

Mash-up

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2022

Penelope Grist delves into an insightful portraiture exhibition that asks: How do three artists see the same sitter?

Joan Croll

String of Pearls

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2001

Andrew Sayers discusses the portrait of Dr Joan Croll AO by the Australian artist John Brack.

Thomas Pearce
Thomas Pearce
Thomas Pearce

Thomas Pearce, c. 1878

The Photographic Society of Victoria, Melbourne
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite on card

Purchased 2010

Elle Macpherson

Australian Visit

Previous exhibition, 2006

The exhibition will include works of art from the NPG Canberra's permanent collection with some inward loans and aims to highlight the achievements of notable Australians.

Nicole Kidman

Australians in Hollywood

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2003

The exhibition Australians in Hollywood celebrated the achievements of Australians in the highly competitive American film industry.

Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022

Previous exhibition, 2022

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples)
Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples)
Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples)

Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples), 2023

Brenda L Croft, Prue Hazelgrove, Richard Crampton
Portrait, original wet plate collodion process tintype, digital scan to Ultrachrome pigment on paper

Purchased 2023

Christos Tsiolkas

Intense identity

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Chistopher Chapman discusses the portrait of Australian author Christos Tsiolkas taken by John Tsiavis.

Helen Nugent, Karen Quinlan and Angus Trumble

Ms Karen Quinlan appointed to lead the NPGA

25 September 2018
Archived media releases 2018

The Board of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Karen Quinlan as its incoming Director.

Ned Kelly death mask

Getting a head

Magazine article by Alexandra Roginski, 2015

Alexandra Roginski gets a feel for phrenology’s fundamentals.

Andrew George Scott, alias Captain Moonlite, c.1879 attributed to Charles Nettleton

Diseased curiosity

Captain Moonlite et al on trial for murder
About Face article

Just after 10.00 o'clock on 3 December 1879, four prisoners were brought from their cells at Darlinghurst Gaol and placed in the dock of a courtroom heaving with agitated spectators

Sydney city (Patrick White and Tom Uren, Hiroshima Day demonstration), 1984

The activist A-list

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2007

Dr Sarah Engledow examines a number of figures in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery who were pioneers or substantial supporters of the seminal Australian environmental campaigns of the early 1970s and 1980s.

Artist and wife near Arthurs Seat, 1969

Through blue eyes

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

Works by Arthur Boyd and Sidney Nolan bring the desert, the misty seashore and the hot Monaro plains to exhibition Open Air: Portraits in the landscape.

Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill

Australian of the Year

Inspiring a Nation
Previous exhibition, 2010

The Australian of the Year Awards have often provoked controversy about who is selected and whether their achievements are remarkable.

Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel

Announcing... Pub Rock

11 August 2020
Archived media releases 2020

An exhibition that celebrates the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on the nation’s identity, opens at the National Portrait Gallery on 5 September, 2020.

Alexander Pearce
executed for murder
July 19th 1824

Public hanging

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2008

As a convict Thomas Bock was required to sketch executed murders for science; as a free man, fashionable society portraits.

Jacki Weaver

Jacki Weaver, 2018

by John Tsiavis
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2018

Thomas Woolner

The 1850s to the 1880s

Mo and beard timeline

The restrained and cultivated facial hair fashions evident through the first decades of the 1800s were on the wane by the middle of the century, when hirsute faces became mainstream.

Portrait23: Identity logo

Announcing... Portrait23: Identity

15 November 2022
Media

In this major new exhibition marking the National Portrait Gallery’s third decade, 23 Australian artists and collectives have been invited to create portraits without constraints or boundaries.

Tan Le

Tan Le, 2018

by John Tsiavis
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by the Sid and Fiona Myer Family Foundation 2018

Neil Murray

True fella

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2011

Michael Desmond profiles the Australian songwriter and performer Neil Murray and his contribution to Australian music.

The Writer, Peter Goldsworthy

The Writer: Peter Goldsworthy, 2018

by Deidre But-Husaim
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Jillian Broadbent AO and Dr Helen Nugent AO 2018.

Professor Peter Doherty

Friends and Acquaintances

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

Dr. Sarah Engledow discusses a collection of drawings and prints by the Victorian artist Rick Amor acquired in 2005.

First-Class Marksman, 1946 by Sidney Nolan

Money for Myth

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2015

Australian character on the market by Jane Raffan.

Announcing.... In their own words

24 November 2020
Archived media releases 2020

Inspiring Australians tell their own stories in a unique new gallery audio tour, developed in collaboration with the National Library of Australia.

Untitled, 2011 © Kelly Tunney

Something old, something new

Magazine article by Andrew Mayo, 2017

Andrew Mayo considers the changing face of modern wedding photography through the eyes of two of its finest exponents, Dan O’Day and Kelly Tunney.

Self Portrait in red shirt, 1937 by Arthur Boyd

Arthur as Alyosha?

Magazine article by Patrick McCaughey, 2015

Patrick McCaughey explores a striking Boyd self portrait.

Andrew Sayers AM

Past directors

History

Directors of the National Portrait Gallery from 1998 to today.

The Wedding, 2022 Atong Atem

See through me

Magazine article by Penelope Grist and Rebecca Ray, 2022

Penelope Grist and Rebecca Ray talk to the artists in Portrait23: Identity about transcending modes of portraiture.

June Dally-Watkins

2023 Annual Appeal

Annual Appeal

In 2023 the Annual Appeal was focussed on a work by one of Australia's best loved and most successful portrait painters, Judy Cassab AO CBE, depicting model, entrepreneur and deportment icon, June Dally-Watkins OAM.

Portrait of Captain John Hunter

Goods and chattels

About Face article

I have been reading systematically through the ads in the earliest issues of the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, such a rich vein of information about certain aspects of daily life in Regency Sydney.

In the mirror: self portrait with Joy Hester

Spring exhibition program

18 August 2020
Archived media releases 2020

The following on-line and physical exhibitions are planned to open at the National Portrait Gallery in coming months. For those who can’t travel at present, selected works from all exhibitions will be included online

Dr John Yu

Clay, water, fire

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2005

Ah Xian's porcelain portrait of paediatrician Dr. John Yu reflects Yu's heritage and interests.

Lesley Harding

Faces of war

Lecture, 14 May 2011
General content

Lesley Harding, Curator, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne explores Albert Tucker’s experience of World War II, his interests in the intersection between psychology and creativity, and their influence on his portrait making.

Writing on the Wall, 2019 Dr Christian Thompson AO

To arrive at hope

NPPP 2020 exhibition essay
General content

Penelope Grist, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2020 Prize.

Dorothy Porter

Beautiful bones

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2011

Sarah Engledow reflects on the shared life and writing of Dorothy Porter and Andrea Goldsmith.

In the Lounge, 2006 by North Sullivan

Seduce, Amuse, Entertain

NPPP 2007 exhibition essay
General content

Michael Desmond, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2007 Prize.

The hunting lodge, 2007

Seduce Amuse Entertain

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

Michael Desmond profiles a handful of the entrants in first National Photographic Portrait Prize and notes emerging themes and categories.

Self portrait

Rick Amor: 21 Portraits

General content

Sarah Engledow chronicles Rick Amor's work and accomplishments in this extensive essay in conjunction with the exhibition Rick Amor: 21 Portraits.

Studio of the American & Australasian Photographic Co., Hill End, 1872

A rogue's calling card

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2008

Joanna Gilmour explores the stories behind the ninteenth-century carte de visites of bushrangers Frank Gardiner and Fred Lowry.

Surfing, Noosa, 1970s Stuart Spence

The play’s the thing

About Face article

Penelope Grist charts an immersive path through Stuart Spence’s photography.

Dame Mary Gilmore

Painting writing

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2007

Dr Sarah Engledow explores the portraits of writers held in the National Portrait Gallery's collection.

image not online

Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
Peter Wilmoth, age 12, with copies of Our World 1974 Courtesy of the author

Paper, boy

Magazine article by Peter Wilmoth, 2016

Peter Wilmoth’s boy-journalist toolkit for antagonising an Australian political giant.

Daniel Johns, Silverchair Melbourne 2007 by Martin Philbey

Rock art

Magazine article by Andrew Mayo, 2016

Andrew Mayo talks to three of Australia’s most prominent and prolific music photographers — Martin Philbey, Kane Hibberd and Daniel Boud — about the challenges and inspiration behind their craft.

Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Illuminating history

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2023

Joanna Gilmour reflects on 25 years of collecting at the National Portrait Gallery.

Self-Portrait, 1981 by Don Bachardy

Drawing inspiration

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2017

Christopher Chapman absorbs the gentle touch of Don Bachardy’s portraiture.

John Monash

Lauded legacy

Magazine article by Karl James, 2015

Karl James gives short shrift to doubts about the profile of General Sir John Monash.

Sidney Nolan, Western Australia

Cultural kaleidoscope

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006

The complex connections between four creative Australians; Patrick White, Sidney Nolan, Robert Helpmann and Peter Sculthorpe.

National Portrait Gallery

History

About us

How the National Portrait Gallery and its unique collection came to be

20/20 launch speech

About Face article

Dr Helen Nugent AO, Chairman, National Portrait Gallery at the opening of 20/20: Celebrating twenty years with twenty new portrait commissions.

Dave Graney

Naked nostalgia

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2016

Penelope Grist reminisces about the halcyon days of a print icon, before the infusion of the internet’s shades of grey.

Trevor Jamieson, 2016 by Brett Canet-Gibson

The more things change...

NPPP 2017 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2017 Prize.

Seven sisters song Kaylene Whiskey

You are who?

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2022

Joanna Gilmour reflects on merging collections and challenging traditional assumptions around portraiture in WHO ARE YOU.

Patrick Ryan, 1968 by Mark Strizic

The silent partner

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

One half of the team that was Eltham Films left scarcely a trace in the written historical record, but survives in a vivid portrait.

The Art Lovers - Megan, 2013 by Gary Grealy

Everybody, look serious

NPPP 2014 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2014 Prize.

© National Portrait Gallery 2024
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency