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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.

Alfie Barker (right view), 2023

Shea Kirk

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 Finalist

pigment photographic print on paper (frame: 137.8cm x 110.6cm depth 6.0cm)
Alfie Barker (right view), 2023

Shea Kirk
born Australia 1985

Alfie Barker (right view) 2023
pigment photographic print on paper

‘The feeling of being as at home in my body as I did before I went through puberty is indescribable. Transitioning for me has been like un-doing as much of puberty as I can, back to who I was before I went through school. Before I knew what was expected of a female to wear and do and act like. Before school made me wear a dress every day. Before I was thrown into a society obsessed with rules on gender and the expectations that came with that. I am so proud every day that I made it back at age 24.’ – Alfie Barker


Shea Kirk is a Naarm/Melbourne-based artist working with traditional photographic methods and techniques. His studio-based practice and collaborative methodology enables his sitter’s articulation of self. Kirk was the winner of the 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize.

People's Choice Award

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

Voting closes Sunday 29 September 2024.

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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024
(More information, View all 34 photos)

New Gold
A million moons: Self-portrait as an Iranian woman
Nyangatja Ngayuku Mara (These are my hands)
She

Other NPPP photos from Shea Kirk
(More information)

Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk
2023 Winner
Ella B Rowe (right view), 2021 Shea Kirk
2022 Finalist
Gemma Baxter (right view), 2019 Shea Kirk
2020 Art Handlers' Award
Callan Bradley Hales (left and right view), 2018 by Shea Kirk
2019 Finalist

Related information

Alexis with moon, 2024 Amos Gebhardt
Alexis with moon, 2024 Amos Gebhardt
Alexis with moon, 2024 Amos Gebhardt
Alexis with moon, 2024 Amos Gebhardt

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024

Current exhibition

from Saturday 22 June

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2024 celebrates established and emerging artistic talent from across the country.
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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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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