Portraits that Speak Beyond the Frame: Steph Wilson wins the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2024
The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2024, celebrated as one of the most prestigious accolades in contemporary portrait photography, has unveiled its winners. Topping the list is London-based photographer Steph Wilson, whose striking portrait Sonam has earned her the first prize, captivating judges and audiences alike with its layered commentary on motherhood and individuality.
The competition, now in its 17th year, continues to showcase the power of photography to challenge perceptions and inspire reflection. Alongside Wilson, Australian photographer Adam Ferguson claimed second prize for his evocative series Big Sky, while Tjitske Sluis received third prize for her poignant portrait Mom from the series Out of Love, Out of Necessity.
Additionally, Jesse Navarre Vos was awarded the Taylor Wessing Photographic Commission for his piece Mom, I’ll follow you still from the series I’ll come following you.
These works, along with the other shortlisted entries, are now on display at the National Portrait Gallery, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in stories told through the lens.
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Steph Wilson: A Reimagining of Motherhood
Steph Wilson’s winning photograph, Sonam, emerges as a testament to her ongoing project Ideal Mother, which seeks to redefine conventional narratives of motherhood. Known for her work with iconic brands like Mugler and Nike and publications such as Dazed and the British Journal of Photography, Wilson brings her editorial sensibility to a deeply personal subject.
The portrait of Sonam is a study in contrasts and authenticity. Captured in an assertive pose with a false moustache, Sonam challenges societal expectations. The moustache, a nod to her profession as a wig maker and to moments of personal empowerment, underscores themes of balance and self-expression. Wilson’s goal was to depict mothers as multidimensional individuals, transcending their roles as caregivers.
“The portrait invites viewers to broaden their understanding of motherhood and identity,” the judges noted. Sonam’s unsmiling gaze, juxtaposed with tender details of her relationship with her baby, reveals layers of complexity that captivated the panel.
Adam Ferguson: Portraits of Connection and Contradiction
Second prize winner Adam Ferguson’s series Big Sky delves into the interplay between modernity, globalisation, and Indigenous traditions in Australia’s remote Northern Territory and Western Australia. Over a decade-long journey, Ferguson captured moments that reflect the legacy of colonisation and environmental change while highlighting the resilience of community life.
Hunting trip, Wirrimanu/Balgo, Kukatja Country, Western Australia, 2023 by Adam Ferguson
Among the shortlisted portraits is Kukatja Pintupi boy Matthew West, hunting trip documents a traditional kangaroo hunt, using it as a lens to critique historical and ongoing disruptions caused by Western settlement.
Also short-listed was Pintupi-Luritja Lutheran Pastor Simon Dixon, depicted in ceremonial robes against the stark Outback landscape. Another, Cousin sisters Shauna and Bridget Perdjert, features young women wearing Taylor Swift t-shirts, a subtle nod to the encroachment of global pop culture on Indigenous traditions.
“The series is a powerful exploration of cultural duality and survival,” the judges remarked. Ferguson’s ability to juxtapose contemporary life with the enduring essence of Indigenous culture adds depth to the narrative.
Tjitske Sluis and Jesse Navarre Vos: Personal Narratives with Universal Themes
Third prize recipient Tjitske Sluis’ portrait Mom from the series Out of Love, Out of Necessity brings an intimate, reflective lens to her subject. The portrait offers a glimpse into the complexities of familial relationships, imbued with a quiet, poignant beauty that resonates universally.
Mom by Tjitske Sluis, from the series Out of Love, Out of Necessity. Photograph: Tjitske SLUIS/Tjitske Sluis
Meanwhile, Jesse Navarre Vos, winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Commission, was recognised for Mom, I’ll follow you still, part of his series exploring familial bonds. This work will soon join the National Portrait Gallery’s extensive collection, further cementing Vos’s place in the pantheon of contemporary portraiture.
Mom, I’ll follow you still, by Jesse Navarre Vos Photograph: Jesse Navarre Vos
A Celebration of Excellence in Portraiture
The 2024 judging panel, featuring multimedia artist Pogus Caesar, curator Alona Pardo, writer Lou Stoppard, and the National Portrait Gallery’s Clare Freestone, faced the challenge of selecting winners from an exceptional pool of talent. Along with monetary prizes, the competition continues to inspire photographers worldwide by providing a platform for their stories to reach global audiences.
Supported by Taylor Wessing, the exhibition underscores the transformative power of photography. Serena Brown, winner of the inaugural commission prize in 2023, will unveil her new portrait for the National Portrait Gallery at this year’s award ceremony, adding another chapter to this evolving narrative.
From Wilson’s bold reimagining of motherhood to Ferguson’s exploration of cultural intersections, the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2024 showcases photography’s unique ability to capture the human condition in all its complexity. The exhibition runs at the National Portrait Gallery, inviting visitors to witness these remarkable works firsthand.
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