MELBOURNE artist Kristina Kraskov’s image of Michelle, the “suburban fashionista”, has taken out the 2021 National Photographic Portrait Prize Art Handlers’ Award. 

National Portrait Gallery art handlers Jessica Kemister and James Ley said: “Michelle is literally immersed in the objects that define her, or tell a story about different parts of life, and we are both similar bower-birds who like to bring small artworks, trinkets and curiosities into our workplace.”

Kraskov, who wins a $2000 prize is a documentary filmmaker with an interest in capturing people in their own spaces.

“Michelle’s house was the most drastic example of this I’d ever witnessed – I couldn’t help but capture her in her element,” the artist said.

“Like the experience of meeting Michelle, the portrait is eclectic; she can get lost amongst the curated chaos, yet has an undeniable presence.”

As previously reported by “CityNews”, Sydney photographer Joel B.Pratley won the 2021 prize for his portrait of farmer David Kalisch in the midst of an unexpected dust storm, while the Highly Commended prize went to Julian Kingma for ”Tom at the drain”.

According to the director of the National Portrait Gallery, Karen Quinlan, this year the judges selected 79 works — more than double the usual amount — as a way of acknowledging the impact the pandemic has had on the creative community.

The last in the National Photographic Portrait Prize suite of prizes will be the $5000 People’s Choice Award, to be announced in late October.

“Living Memory: National Photographic Portrait Prize 2021” continues at the National Portrait Gallery until November 7. Audiences can views all  works and vote for their favourites via portrait.gov.au