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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.

Self portrait, 2009

by Spencer Harvie

Self portrait, 2009

Year 11, West Moreton Anglican College QLD
synthetic polymer paint, gesso and charcoal
110.5 x 76.5 cm
on display at the National Portrait Gallery

This frail, stylised figure is based on my own appearance. I have placed the figure into a mildly sinister environment where red and white veins bleed over an electric blue background. The boy has a cold and awkward presence.

Headspace 9

Headspace 9
(More information, View all 34 images)

Miles away
Self portrait
Me in twenty years
The boy who smoked the waterfall

Related information

Rose’s afternoon delight, 2009 by Rose Hammer
Rose’s afternoon delight, 2009 by Rose Hammer
Rose’s afternoon delight, 2009 by Rose Hammer
Rose’s afternoon delight, 2009 by Rose Hammer

Headspace 9

Self Identities - Making Connections

Previous exhibition, 2009

Headspace 9 is an exhibition of outstanding student self portraits (paintings, drawings, printmaking, photography and media arts) by Year 10, 11 and 12 school students that will engage a national audience.
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency