In its only Victorian showing, the National Portrait Gallery’s National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 will be on display at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum from Friday 9 June 2023.
Now in its 15th year, the annual exhibition draws from entries submitted by amateur and professional photographers from across Australia. In 2022, 50 finalists were selected from more than 2,400 entries.
Sandra Bruce, Director of Collection and Exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery said the NPPP never fails to deliver a range of emotions.
“Australia is a country with myriad faces, and as we continue to live in disruptive times, the National Photographic Portrait Prize offers a sweeping view across the nation’s experience, one that reminds us that our lives continue on regardless of wider circumstances,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to be the only Victorian venue to showcase this exciting travelling exhibition. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the museum to see the photographs and engage in public programs and workshops,” said Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child.
“Exhibitions such as the National Photographic Portrait Prize have the power to unite people and communities through the depiction of shared experiences. I have no doubt that a diverse range of audiences will find inspiration from and appreciation for the talented artists, their works, and the stories on display,” said Mr Child.
The Winner, Highly Commended, Art Handlers’ and People’s Choice awards were announced in Canberra prior to the exhibition tour. Wayne Quilliam’s portrait Silent Strength, 2021, depicting Aurukun man Eric Yunkaporta in ceremonial headwear, won the 2022 National Photographic Portrait Prize.
Quilliam won $50,000 in prizes: $30,000 cash from the National Portrait Gallery and $20,000 worth of Canon equipment thanks to Imaging Partner Canon Australia.
Adam Ferguson won the Highly Commended prize and received a Colour Edge CG2730 Monitor courtesy of EIZO for his work, Carlos Soyos, 34, a migrant from Guatemala City, Guatemala and his son, Enderson Soyos, 8, take a self portrait at El Buen Samaritano migrants shelter, Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
The Art Handlers’ award recipient was Adam Haddrick, for his work, Cordy in the Clouds – who received $2,000 cash from IAS Fine Art Logistics, and Luther Cora won the $5,000 People’s Choice Award supported by the David Roche Foundation, for his work, Flora and Fauna, Giara: White Cockatoo.
This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, 35 – 37 Castella Street, Lilydale
Exhibition: Friday 9 June – Sunday 3 September 2023
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Wayne Quilliam, Silent Strength, 2021, inkjet print on paper, © the artist