The National Photographic Portrait Prize 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. The winner for 2015 is
Portrait of Ali by Hoda Afshar
National Portrait Gallery Senior Curator Dr Christopher Chapman said that the portrait was a unanimous choice for the judging panel. ‘The portrait is poignant for its intimation of this boy’s future – likely as a shepherd. The photographer has captured a powerful sense of mystery that adds to the compelling nature of the portrait – the boy, standing calmly within the rocky, misty setting.’
Barry & Alkirra – The House in Carrington by Katherine Williams was highly commended.
Feather and the Goddess Pool by Natalie Grono received the People’s Choice Award.
Judges Dr Christopher Chapman, Senior Curator, Angus Trumble, Director, and photographer Nikki Toole selected the finalists from over 2,500 entries. Many of the 44 portraits selected for this year’s exhibition flicker with complex emotional registers. Outwardly bold, they suggest inner reflection. Surety is based upon serenity. Innocence is deepened by a flash of self-awareness. In the evening air, in space, self-hood is quietly energised.
