'Magnificent' portrait takes out National Photographic Portrait Prize People's Choice Award

6 October 2022

The National Photographic Portrait Prize People's Choice Award has been awarded to photographer Luther Cora for his 'magnificent' photograph of his daughter, Giara, Flora and Fauna, Giara: White Cockatoo 2021.

Flora and Fauna, Giara: White Cockatoo, 2021. Image by Luther Cora. Courtesy of the artist.

More than 8,000 votes were lodged this year, with Cora taking home $5,000 as People's Choice Winner.

Speaking of the photo, Cora says the image was one of a series he shot in his loungeroom in a makeshift studio during COVID lockdown.

"I decided to try and create a floral headdress with native flowers," he explains. "This triggered me to think, are we Indigenous First Nations people still classed as Flora and Fauna? Do we still have policies or Government acts in place that we fall into or come under like our old people did?".

The overall winning image of the NPPP for 2022 was awarded to Wayne Quilliam in July.

The National Photographic Portrait Prize and Darling Portrait Prize exhibitions close on Sunday 9 October. For more information, visit the NPPP website.