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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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Before dark (Metamorphosis), 2020

Rachel Gregg

Living Memory Finalist

Before dark there is a moment where light and shadow appear to merge and diverge in equal measure. Before adulthood, the same potent duality exists. My daughter Indianna, on the precipice of becoming an adult, was not diminished by the fading day in the quiet waterhole that evening, but rather exalted by its ghostly phosphorescence. I felt this image not only embodied her intrinsic connection with nature, but the fragility and fearlessness that exists in a young woman's metamorphosis.

Courtesy of the artist
© The artist

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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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