National Photographic Portrait Prize announces $10,000 People's Choice winner
The 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize People's Choice Award has been awarded to Bruce Agnew for his powerful image 'KAHA'.
'KAHA' is a Maori word meaning "to be strong and courageous" and Bruce's portrait is of recovering New Zealand-born burns victim Vicky, who spent eight weeks in a coma, seven months in hospital, and underwent 15 surgeries after suffering burns to almost 60% of her body.
Bruce, a first time NPPP finalist, said the aim of the portrait was to show Vicky’s inner strength and beauty after she asked for him to take her portrait. He takes home a $10,000 prize.
“Vicky had no photos or mirrors in her house. I took many of her that day, but this one just shone. It took on a life of its own, and Vicky loved it too – it is hanging in her house. And embedded in the photo is the relationship we developed on the day and over time.”
Out of the 47 artworks, Bruce's portrait was the standout audience favourite to win the People’s Choice Award. This is the first photographic prize he has entered.
“I really wouldn’t call myself a photographer,” he said. “I’m just a man with a camera, so it is such an honour to have my work on show alongside all the other artists at the National Portrait Gallery.”
This year’s overall NPPP prize, announced in June, went to Melbourne artist Shea Kirk for his portrait of friend and fellow-artist Emma Armstrong-Porter, wining him $30,000 in cash and $20,000 of photographic equipment. The portrait, titled Ruby (left view), is half of a stereoscopic pair from Kirk’s ongoing series Vantages.
The National Photographic Portrait Prize closes on Monday 2 October. You can find out more here.