National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) - Retrospective

Visual Art Exhibition Review | Brian Rope

National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) - Retrospective I Various Artists

National Portrait Gallery (NPG) I 22 August – 11 October 2026

The National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) was first conducted in 2007. Whilst at the NPG, the final NPPP in 2026 (which I’ve previously reviewed) is accompanied by selected finalists from previous years. This review discusses some of the latter.

Grant Hawkes’ subject fell asleep during a documentary they were watching. When entering it in the 2007 NPPP, the artist said that the image explored the significance of objects and their assumed symbolism in portraiture. Looking back on it after 20 years, he found himself drawn to his use of a “dramatic pose to describe a state of rest.” I’m not sure how a sleeping subject could actually pose, dramatically or otherwise. Nevertheless, it an excellent composition and it reveals more than a traditional portrait.

 

Grant Hawkes - She Fell Asleep During the Movie, 2007, pigment photographic print (sheet: 32.4cm x 48cm), National Photographic Portrait Prize 2007 Finalist

However, Samantha Harris, 2010 is a traditional head-on portrait. Hamish Ta-Mé was creating a series in which he asked many of his models to be photographed immediately on arrival at the studio before “hair and makeup.” His collaborative creations sought to convey intensity and engagement. In this particular image, I certainly believe he achieved his aim. He and his model are engaged. I can feel the intensity.

Hamish Ta-Mé - Samantha Harris, 2010 (printed 2026), pigment photographic print (sheet: 86.7cm x 65cm), National Photographic Portrait Prize 2011 Finalist

David Rosetzky’s portrait of champion Australian ballroom dancer Lyu Masuda is from an ongoing series of analogue, double-exposures using 35mm film. They bring together images of flowers with individuals from LGBTQIA+ communities. I enjoyed this print, particularly for the translucent area over the subject’s left eye. The flowing lines of the flowers seem most appropriate in a portrait of a dancer.

 

David Rosetzky - Lyu with Orchid, 2017 (printed 2026), pigment photographic print (sheet: 106.6cm x 82.4cm), National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 Finalist

Comment on the image of the charismatic Bob Hawke was a no brainer. The artist, known for his playful works, simply found the pose he would capture the moment Hawke walked in sipping through a pink straw. It was chosen as their favourite by people who saw the 2018 NPPP. Readers with no knowledge of Hawke might appreciate why if I mention that he was a highly popular Australian Prime Minister, trade union leader, and reformist politician and that he set a Guinness World Record by drinking 2.5 pints of beer in 11 seconds when at Oxford University. Australians loved the larrikin in Hawke.

 

Harold David - The Honourable Bob Hawke Savouring a Strawberry Milkshake, 2017 (printed 2026), pigment photographic print (sheet: 67cm x 50cm)' National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018 People's Choice Award

A self-portrait finalist in 2019 sought to reference the collective anxiety and uncertainty of the climate threat that defined those times. The title is a well-known colloquialism for a situation both impending and unavoidable. The artist disappears into a constellation of flowers. Some may struggle to see this artwork as portraiture, but it is one of many successful NPPP entries over the years that have challenged viewers whilst successfully redefining the concept of portraiture. When I reviewed the 2019 NPPP, I described this work as elaborate and stunning, with its vivid colours immediately attracting attention.

 

Dr Christian Thompson AO - Writing on the Wall, 2019, pigment photographic print (sheet: 120cm x 120cm), National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 Finalist

In The Mahi-mahi, Josh Niland, a head chef and restaurant owner, reinvents what can be done with every part of a fish, to drastically reduce wastage. Photographer, Rob Palmer, seeks to create honest portraits celebrating people behind such stories. This work was the 2019 NPPP winner.

 

Rob Palmer – The Mahi-mahi, 2019 (printed 2026), pigment photographic print (sheet: 75.8cm x 113.5cm), National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 Winner

Finally, a comment on the 2024 NPPP Art Handlers’ Award. Artist Shelley Xue uses photography, personal objects and archives to remember, reconnect and reflect on family and home. When, after three years apart, she reunited with her mother for three precious weeks, she felt as though she’d never previously truly seen mum. During their reunion, mother told daughter stories she had never known. She exuded childlike joy and sought her daughter’s hand on walks. This most interesting portrait beautifully captures those feelings.

Shelley Xue - 阿谊 (ah Yi), 2023, pigment photographic print on paper (sheet: 90cm x 60.8cm), National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 Art Handlers’ Award

If you are unable to visit the exhibition, all the artworks can be seen at https://www.portrait.gov.au/nppp-images.php. (The retrospective images will not be joining the 2026 finalists when the exhibition goes on tour to various other venues.)


This review is also available on the author's blog.