The National Portrait Gallery’s esteemed National Photographic Portrait Prize of 2023 is set to grace the State Library of Queensland, marking a prestigious period from May 11 until July 7, 2024.
Initiated in 2007, this prize has not only celebrated but has significantly fostered the art of photographic portraiture within Australia, offering photographers both recognition and a substantial reward. This year’s exhibition features 47 finalists chosen from nearly 2,400 submissions, highlighting a diverse range of subjects including the impact of flooding in Graceville, Brisbane, and the complex transcultural identity of an Iranian migrant mother.
The accolade of winning the 2023 prize was bestowed upon Shea Kirk, who through his portrait ‘Ruby (left view)’ of Emma Armstrong-Porter, managed to secure $50,000 worth of prizes, comprising $30,000 cash from the National Portrait Gallery and $20,000 in Canon equipment. Meanwhile, Renae Saxby received high commendation for her portrayal of the proud Indigenous women Cindy Rostron in ‘Bangardidjan 2022,’ earning a prestigious ColorEdge monitor valued at almost $4,000.
Other notable winners include David Cossini, awarded the Art Handlers’ prize for his captivating portrait ‘Ugandan Ssebabi,’ and Bruce Agnew, whose work ‘KAHA, 2022’ captivated the public, winning the $10,000 People’s Choice Award. These accolades underline the breadth and depth of talent present in Australia’s photographic community.
The exhibition, supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, not only showcases these spectacular works but also brings to light Australia’s rich and varied cultural tapestry. Vicki McDonald AM, State Library of Queensland’s CEO, and Bree Pickering, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, both emphasize the prize’s role in sharing compelling Australian stories and celebrating the country’s shared humanity. Furthermore, Joanna Gilmour, the Gallery’s Senior Curator, remarks on the finalists’ ability to reveal their subjects’ true selves, underscoring the powerful connection between photographer and subject.
The exhibition, supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, not only showcases these spectacular works but also brings to light Australia’s rich and varied cultural tapestry. Vicki McDonald AM, State Library of Queensland’s CEO, and Bree Pickering, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, both emphasise the prize’s role in sharing compelling Australian stories and celebrating the country’s shared humanity. Furthermore, Joanna Gilmour, the Gallery’s Senior Curator, remarks on the finalists’ ability to reveal their subjects’ true selves, underscoring the powerful connection between photographer and subject.
Vicki McDonald noted, “This prestigious prize plays a crucial role in narrating the rich tapestry of Australian life, inviting us to reflect on our collective identity.” Bree Pickering echoed this sentiment, saying, “Each photograph is a window into the soul of Australia, telling stories that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.” Joanna Gilmour added, “The intimacy and authenticity captured in these portraits allow us to see beyond the surface, offering a glimpse into the essence of each subject.”
This National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition is not just a display of aesthetic achievement but a profound communal experience, offering insight into the lives and stories that shape Australia.
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023
11 May – 7 July 2024
Open daily 10am–5pm | Free entry
slq Gallery, level 2 | State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, South Bank