Hoda Afshar wins National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015
With over 2400 submissions this year, winning the National Portrait Prize 2015 is no easy feat.
Melbourne photographer Hoda Afshar has been awarded the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2015 for his stunning Portrait of Ali, 2014. Featuring a portrait of a young Iranian boy in the mountainous terrain of Northern Iran, the selection was unanimous among the judging panel.
National Portrait Gallery Senior Curator Dr Christopher Chapman commented on the strength of narrative by Afshar in the portrait. ‘The photographer has created a compelling portrait of the young boy. The rocky, misty setting creates a sense of mystery, intimating the boy’s future – likely as a shepherd.’
Guest judge, Nikki Toole, added ‘Hoda’s use of composition is a real highlight of the work. It has a beautiful cinematic quality.’
The winning work was selected from a competitive group of 44 finalists, receiving $25,000 in prize for the outstanding photographic portrait. To see the full list of finalists click here.
The Highly Commended award was given to Katherine Williams for her portrait Barry and Alkirra – The Carrington house 2014. Ms Williams received a generous prize provided by Eizo.
The judging panel included Senior Curator Dr Christopher Chapman, Gallery Director Angus Trumble and guest judge photographer Nikki Toole. Selecting from over 2400 submissions, this year marked the greatest number of entries ever received in the prize’s 8 year history.
Opening earlier this week, the National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition of the 44 finalists is on display at the National Portrait Gallery until 8 June 2015.
Aiming to reach a broad audience, the exhibition will tour extensively in Queensland including venues Artspace Mackay, Cairns Regional Gallery, Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Rockhampton Art Gallery.
National Portrait Prize 2015
21 March – 8 June 2015
National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
Image: Hoda Afshar, Portrait of Ali, 2014
Courtesy the artist and the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
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