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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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Words will never hurt me, 2010

by Catherine Ramsay

Words will never hurt me, 2010

Year 12, Genesis Christian College Qld
digital print on canvas

After reflecting on teenage suicide, I created a portrait responding to the contradictory conflicts found in bullying: the denial that it affects you and the real harm that it renders to others. The depicted victim turns her back on the bully, yet the symbolic white dress is splattered with bloody words. She drags the symbol of death as she walks.

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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