Unveiling Identity: Taylor Wessing Prize 2025 at National Portrait Gallery
If you’re searching for the most compelling narratives in photography this year, look no further than the National Portrait Gallery. Here, the walls come alive with stories of identity and human expression through the lens of the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025.
A Stellar Lineup of Artistic Visionaries
The exhibition, running from 13 November 2025 to 8 February 2026, showcases four groundbreaking artists chosen from over 5,900 submissions, each bringing a unique voice to the medium. Hollie Fernando, Luan Davide Gray, Byron Mohammad Hamzah, and Martina Holmberg are the creative minds behind this year’s shortlisted portraits. Each piece offers a visual diary of intimacy, courage, and the human journey.
Understanding Self through Lens
As judged by a panel including renowned photographer Sunil Gupta and art historian Katy Hessel, these portraits redefine the genre. They urge us to ponder how we view ourselves and others in an increasingly visually-driven world. Whether it’s Gray’s ‘We Dare to Hug 2’ or Hamzah’s exploration of stateless youths, the images engage viewers in a profound dialogue on identity.
Prizes and Opportunities
Expect thrilling revelations as the winners are announced on 11 November 2025. The top photographer will receive a £15,000 prize, with additional rewards for second and third places. Furthermore, one artist will also earn a commission worth £8,000 to contribute a new work to the Gallery’s prestigious collection.
The Future of Portraiture
The Taylor Wessing Prize is more than just a photo competition—it’s a glimpse into the future of portraiture. Featuring an eclectic mix of formal commissions and candid snapshots, it questions how artists present identity in today’s multifaceted society. According to Shortlist, this event stands as a beacon of evolving photographic artistry.
Visit the Exhibition
Don’t miss your chance to witness these masterpieces firsthand. Tickets are affordable, with special rates for under-25s and a Pay What You Can option available. Members enjoy exclusive previews, offering a sneak peek into the creativity gracing the gallery space.
If there’s one exhibition to see this winter, make it the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025. Each portrait holds a mirror to our times, inspiring a journey into understanding who we are, both individually and collectively.
