Atong Atem is an Ethiopian born, South Sudanese artist living in Naarm/Melbourne. Atem’s work explores the inherent intimacy of portraiture while interrogating photography as a framework for looking at the world and positioning herself and others within in it.

Atem has exhibited her work across Australia, including National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Atem has exhibited internationally at the Tate Modern, London, Rotterdam’s Wereldmuseum, Fotografiska Shanghai, Stadtgalerie, Germany and with PHOTO Australia at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

This exhibition has been curated by Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Director Zanny Begg to run alongside the Archibald Prize touring exhibition.