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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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The artist's self (fluid), 2010

by Grace Kate Blake

Year 12, Narrabundah College ACT
ink on paper
I find the self to be an abstract concept, and thus to properly reflect my approach to the self, I have abandoned traditional portraiture for a more contemporary composition. I have offered only simplified forms and the back of my head to the viewer, in an attempt to distance the notion of self from one physical appearance. Small figures amongst the detail of the hair are ephemeral manifestations of myself. They are fluid, interlocking miniatures, offering insight into my personality, behaviour and humour. I have furthered the concept of reflection in the work by creating physical symmetry within the composition.

Headspace 10

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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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