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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.

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Maza family, 1973

Carol Jerrems

reticulated surface texture on paper (image: 22.8cm x 31.0cm. sheet: 40.1cm x 50.8cm. frame: 74.2cm x 74.2cm)

This photograph of Yidinji and Meriam actor, playwright and activist Bob Maza AM (1939–2000), Vera Blankman (1943–2023) and their children is a complex and tender rendering. With gazes and limbs intersecting at various angles, it lands a sense of ease and closeness within the composition.

In this portrait of familial intimacy, Rachael (b. 1965) holds her infant brother Mataika (1973–2024); her father’s chin rests gently on her shoulder as they gaze at the baby. Her sister Lisa (b. 1967), in the foreground, is the only one to connect directly with the camera.

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Gift of Mrs Joy Jerrems 1981.
© The Estate of Carol Jerrems

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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 past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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