NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE FINALIST 📷: Orlando and Wilson, 2021 by Chris Budgeon ARTIST STATEMENT I was slightly bemused when Orlando and Wilson finally got to connect face-to-face over the summer break. The lifelong friends had been separated all year while attending different schools, a year that challenged an entire generation of high school students. For months, all Orlando could speak about was that Wilson would join him at the beach in December. When Wilson actually turned up, they spent virtually all their time communicating via smartphones rather than face-to-face conversations, even though they were literally sitting side by side for days on end. 🤟 This week’s theme explores artworks in the National Photographic Portrait Prize and Darling Portrait Prize about the importance of having a little company. 💙 Love this portrait? Make sure you check out all the #NPPP22 finalists and vote for your favourite in the People's Choice Award on our website (link in bio). #PortraitAU @chrisbudgeon