'It's not a fashion portrait, it really is a study of an energy'
We get goosebumps listening to Tina Arena and Georges Antoni reflect on the recently commissioned portrait, 'TINA'. There's something truly special about this pairing, a duo of artistic excellence.
This artwork is currently on show in Gallery 2!
Connections and kinship
By bringing the work of John Brack and Noel McKenna together, this exhibition highlights the unique ways each artist approaches portraiture. Their artworks explore what it means to be human in a busy, ever-changing world and shines a light on the subtle moments we can observe, reflect on and exist within.
"If you look at the real world, you get a better view of it." - Noel McKenna
🗓️ Exhibition on show until 19 July
🎟️ Free to see
NEW PORTRAIT - 'THE MATILDAS'
In 2023, the CommBank @Matildas inspired the nation and made history with their incredible performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Commissioned by the Gallery, this monumental video portrait by Sāmoan/Australian contemporary artist @AngelaTiatia brings all 23 players together. This artistic tribute invites us all to share in the emotion, power and honesty of a truly unforgettable team and a transformative moment for women's sport.
This is the Gallery's most ambitious portrait to date and we want to give a big THANK YOU to all those who made this work possible. Because of you, this portrait will be reflected on and enjoyed for years to come.
⚽ On Show Now!
🥅 In Gallery 3
⏱️ Runs for 23 minutes
🎟️ Free to see
POWER SUITS: The fit within the frame
Ever stopped to think about how an item of clothing tells a story?
Whether it's the uniform of the corporate ladder or a sure bet when the dress code is confusing, your Sunday best or the outfit you wear when you just need big shoulder pads, the suit is a garment that sends a clear message.
There are over 100 works in this new exhibition, so come on in and unpick how this fashion classic shapes ideas around power, status and identity in portraiture.
ON SHOW NOW!
AC/DC FANS UNITE!
Putting the pedal to the metal and the volume on max, we're excited to announce 'Iwantja Rock N Roll' by Yankunytjatjara artist Kunmanara (Tiger) Yaltangki (1973 - 2024) is now part of the permanent collection.
Renowned for his love of music and his colourful use of symbolism, Yaltangki's artworks vibrantly fuse Indulkana life with pop culture. In this work, he has paired his signature akubra hat with a variety of nods to rock legends AC/DC. Be it the band's logo or the electrifying, green guitar, this is a dynamic homage to an artist's love for his favourite band.
Now on show in gallery 2!
Things are getting emotional around here!
Last year, we had the joy of sharing 'The Immersive World of Thom Roberts', an exhibition that celebrated the kaleidoscopic talent of Thom Roberts.
In this exhibition we encountered 'Fan of Feeling Portriffs', a work that shows us how portraiture can be used to illustrate our emotional lives. Like Thom, we are all made up of many parts and we all learn to communicate our experiences in our own unique way.
This year, with your support, we are looking to add this work to the NPG collection for future generations to feel all the feels.
NEW EXHIBITION - COMING SOON
'POWER SUITS: The fit within the frame' is a playful display of more than 100 collection works and select loans with plenty of familiar faces. From musicians, actors, judges, politicians to entrepreneurs and scientists this exhibition showcases how portraits, artists and the fashion icon intersect.
Come along to explore the evolution of power dressing and how it reflects changing perceptions of status and identity.
Let the great unpicking commence!
🕴️ On show from next Saturday 16 May
THREAD: Connecting stories and community
We've teamed up with our friends at the Logan Art Gallery to collaborate, co-curate and develop an exhibition alongside Logan-based artists and community. This exhibition features historical, contemporary and new works that reflect Logan’s diverse cultural landscape and fosters deeper cross‑cultural understanding.
Creative collaborators include Ruha Fifita @ruhafifita , Sheida Vazir Zadeh @sheidavz , Kyra Mancktelow @kyramancktelow , Lanatina and Sualauvi Ah Kuoi @houseofiliganoa , Pamela See @pamela.see.art and members of the Logan community.
On show at Logan Art Gallery until 13 June.
We are thrilled to welcome the exhibition in its final form to the NPG on 4 July 2026 in Gallery 3.
Three exhibitions. Three free reasons to book the trip to Canberra 👇
Start at @nationalgalleryaus with Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country. A powerful, large-scale showcase of First Nations artists from the APY Lands, telling stories of Country than span millennia. Open daily until 23 August.
Next, head to @portraitau for John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror. A playful, thought-provoking pairing of two iconic artists. Exclusive to Canberra until 19 July.
Finish at @nationallibraryaus with Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre. A moving look at storytelling, language and creativity from the Papunya community. On now until 11 October.
World-class exhibitions, all free, all within minutes of each other.
📍 @NationalTriangle , on Ngunnawal Country
@WeAreCBR@Australia #VisitCanberra #WeAreCBR #SeeAustralia
Over the past year we've been lucky enough to commission portraits of some of Australia's favourite people.
We've had superstar Tina Arena, environmental advocate Costa Georgiadis, fabulous fashionistas Romance Was Born and sporting heroes the CommBank Matildas - we are simply pinching ourselves.
AND we want to hear from you!
Which Australian icon would choose to be in the National Portrait Collection?
