PORTRAIT OF 'SILENT STRENGTH' WINS $50,000 NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE
WAYNE Quilliam’s portrait Silent Strength 2021, depicting Aurukun man Eric Yunkaporta in ceremonial head-wear, has won the 2022 National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP).
Quilliam is a leading Indigenous photographic artist, curator and cultural advisor and describes the portrait as like capturing Mother Earth.
“In its purest essence, the evolution of culture connects us to Mother Earth. My role as a storyteller continues to evolve and this capture is akin to a trickle of water merging into a small stream then into the ocean. This image of Eric Yunkaporta from Aurukun is Culture”.
In making their decision, the judging panel - made up of award-winning press photographer Nick Moir together with Sandra Bruce, the National Portrait Gallery’s Director of Collection and Exhibitions and Associate Curator Rebecca Ray - said Quilliam’s portrait was a work of immense power and beauty.
“Everything about this portrait is exceptional. The composition, the contrast, the richness of the
