Uncommon Australians

In 1992, the National Portrait Gallery exhibited Uncommon Australians: Towards an Australian Portrait Gallery. This project featured 116 portraits—paintings, photographs, sculptures, and drawings—by over 70 Australian artists. The subjects encompassed a diverse array of individuals from politics, exploration, the arts, science, business, and sport, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Australian identity.

The exhibition was conceived and championed by philanthropists Gordon and Marilyn Darling, who were inspired by their visits to portrait galleries in Washington, D.C., and London. They envisioned a dedicated space to commemorate Australia’s notable men and women, leading to the development of this national touring exhibition. The success of Uncommon Australians played a pivotal role in the establishment of the National Portrait Gallery (Canberra) in 1998.

Curated by Julian Faigan, the exhibition was not merely a collection of portraits but a narrative journey through Australia’s history and culture. The portraits were accompanied by biographical information, providing context and insight into the lives and contributions of the subjects. This approach aimed to create an enriching and accessible narrative of the country’s history, culture, and people.

Uncommon Australians remains a significant milestone in the development of Australia’s cultural institutions, demonstrating the power of art to reflect and shape national identity.

The Uncommon Australians exhibition toured Australia throughout 1992, visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, the National Gallery of Australia, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Art Gallery of South Australia.