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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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

The oldest seventeen-year-old in the world, 2010

by Annette Wilson

The oldest seventeen-year-old in the world, 2010

Year 12, Penrith High School NSW
digital print

Several people have likened me to an old lady, because I have a large collection of knitted cardigans, many brooches, and have little toleration for bright lights and loud noises. I have explored the personalities of older women through the eccentric facial expressions they can pull. I conclude that being the 'oldest seventeen-year-old in the world' is indeed a compliment, just as wonderful as a warm drink and a slice of apple cinnamon teacake. Eyesight may weaken, hair may grey, bones may become frail, and nails may decay – but personality will always dominate over age.

Headspace 10

Headspace 10
(More information, View all 99 images)

Visual reflections
Self portrait

Related information

The Precasso Armoured Butterfly, 2010 by Alicia Mozqueira
The Precasso Armoured Butterfly, 2010 by Alicia Mozqueira
The Precasso Armoured Butterfly, 2010 by Alicia Mozqueira
The Precasso Armoured Butterfly, 2010 by Alicia Mozqueira

Headspace 10

Self/reflections

Previous exhibition, 2010

Headspace 10 is a national, secondary school art exhibition from all states and territories exploring the theme, Self/reflections, through portraiture.
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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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