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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.

My friend Siu’s dear mother, Mrs Chan, 2014

by Rod McNicol

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015 Finalist

My friend Siu’s dear mother, Mrs Chan, 2014

Oi Chan was born into a poor rural family in China. As a daughter, her arrival was met with much disapproval. Her mother told her they considered killing her, but her father thought she was so sweet they couldn’t go through with it. She was allowed to live but never felt she had the right to a life of her own. Oi started working aged five and went on to become a valued member of her village. Migrating to Australia in the 1970s, Oi raised a vibrant family here. She still only speaks a little English, but what a survivor!

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015
(More information, View all 44 photos)

The Christening
Jessica
Odysseus
Cactus World, Lester Meyers

Other NPPP photos from Rod McNicol
(More information)

Barry Jones AC, 2021 Rod McNicol
2022 Finalist
Tracey, 2018 by Rod McNicol
2019 Finalist
Self-portrait, 2015 by Rod McNicol
2016 Finalist
Jack Charles
2012 Winner

Related information

Rod McNicol and Jack Charles
Rod McNicol and Jack Charles
Rod McNicol and Jack Charles
Rod McNicol and Jack Charles

Rod McNicol and Jack Charles

'We're village elders on Smith Street'

Portrait story

Rod and Jack on the series of portraits they created together.

Rod McNicol

'Life and Times'

Portrait story

Echoing 19th-century photography, Rod McNicol's portraits give us a chance to look quietly at the human condition.
Tariro, 2010 by Rod McNicol
Tariro, 2010 by Rod McNicol
Tariro, 2010 by Rod McNicol
Tariro, 2010 by Rod McNicol

Village people

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2015

Christopher Chapman discusses Rod McNicol's photographic portrait series Newcomers to my village.
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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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