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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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Jacqueline Mitelman

'Buddha-nature'
Portrait story

Australian photographer, Jacqueline Mitelman, discusses her process for creating portraiture.

Professor Graeme Clark

'Scientific creativity'
Portrait story

Creator of the bionic ear, the Cochlear Implant, Professor Graeme Clark discusses his life and career.

Michael Leunig

'Drawing the human spirit'
Portrait story
Philosopher, cartoonist and national treasure, Michael Leunig discusses his art.
 

Glenn Murcutt

'Strength and delicacy'
Portrait story

Award-winning Australian architect, Glenn Murcutt describes the philosophy of his architectural practice and his minimalist portrait by Ken Done.

Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Portrait of Australian Society

Civics and citizenship (Years 7 to 10)
Virtual Excursions

How do we participate in this diverse and interconnected world? Reflect on your own civic responsibilities and discover the lives of individuals through their portraits and how they have contributed to Australia’s evolving identity.

Deborah Mailman

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements and activism

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies (Years 4 to 6)
Virtual Excursions

How have artists captured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in portraits? Learn about the people in the portraits – their achievements, roles, stories of activism and connection with country. 

Ricki, 2016 by Chris Budgeon

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2017

Photography (Years 7 to 10)
Virtual Excursions

What makes a captivating photographic portrait? Examine a range of historic photographic portraits in our collection through to contemporary works featured in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2017. Examine the photographers’ approaches and learn some techniques to take your portrait photos to the next level!

Charlie Teo

'I would love to be considered mainstream'
Portrait story

Acclaimed neurosurgeon, Charlie Teo discusses the pressures of his career.

Helena Rubinstein in a red brocade Balenciaga gown

Philanthropic donations enable otherwise unobtainable acquisition

20 October 2016
Archived media releases 2016

A magnanimous portrait of Helena Rubinstein has been acquired for the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

David Malouf

'The person who is the writer'
Portrait story

Australian author David Malouf discusses the creation of his portrait by artist Rick Amor.

Dave Graney and Clare Moore

'Why would you want to listen to pub rock?'
Portrait story

Dave Graney and Clare Moore discuss music, photography and bandoleros of meat.

Cadel Evans

'I believed in myself'
Portrait story

Australian champion cyclist Cadel Evans discusses his career.

Portrait of Captain James Cook RN

History in the Frame

History (Years 3 to 6)
Virtual Excursions

From Truganini to Ned Kelly - we investigate a range of portraits to piece together Australia's development as a nation. Discover people's migration and colonisation stories, different perspectives and the historical value of portraiture.

Me

Put Yourself in the Picture

Visual Arts (Foundation to Year 10)
Virtual Excursions

What is a portrait? Explore a selection of historical and contemporary Australian examples and the stories behind them. Be inspired by the artists' techniques to create a self-portrait.

Lowitja O'Donoghue and Robert Hannaford

'I'm going to wear everything red, black, and yellow'
Portrait story

Lowitja O'Donoghue discusses her life and portrait by Robert Hannaford.

Tim Flannery by Robert Hannaford 'The space around', video: 3 minutes and 21 seconds

Tim Flannery by Robert Hannaford

'The space around'
Portrait story

Tim Flannery and artist Robert Hannaford discuss the creation of Tim's portrait.

© National Portrait Gallery 2023
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