The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) has commissioned 20 new portraits to celebrate its 20th year and is to launch them in a display on 20 October.
Titled 20/20, the suite of portraits resulted from a match of invited leaders and individualists with artists who created their portraits.
In a statement, the NPG said that for each portrait, an artist was invited whose insight made for a stimulating, thoughtful match with their portrait subject.
“Since the National Portrait Gallery’s foundation in 1998, over 50 portraits have entered the collection through the commissioning program,” the Gallery said.
“The 20 new portraits displayed in this exhibition continue the Gallery’s commitment to commissioning contemporary portraits.
“As with the portraits purchased and donated to the Gallery, the subject of each commissioned portrait is an Australian who is recognised for the notable contributions they have made to society.”
It said the sitters were invited by the NPG under the guidance of the Gallery’s Board of Directors.
“Leading Australian portrait artists have been encouraged to exercise their artistic skill to create these new portraits,” the statement said.
“The program highlights the unique relationship between sitter and artist
“The significant support of donors has assisted the realisation of these portraits.”
The Gallery also said a complete suite of new commissions would be unveiled at the exhibition launch on 20 October with the exhibition running until 10 February 2019.
