Atong Atem

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Narrm/Melbourne, a brilliant artist and writer, Atong Atem, brings her Ethiopian and South Sudanese roots to life through the captivating lens of portraiture and photography. Atem's exploration delves beyond the surface, questioning the very essence of storytelling within the realm of photography.

Atong Atem's Art Style

In her artistic journey, Atem challenges the conventional view of photography as a mere visual record, transforming it into a portal of intimacy and surrealism. With a keen eye for framing, she crafts fantastical compositions, adding small portals over her subjects' faces. This whimsical touch invites viewers to peer through a constructed lens, offering a unique perspective on the individuals captured in her work.

Atem draws inspiration from renowned photographers like Malick Sidibe, Philip Kwame Apagya, and Seydou Keita. Through her lens, she weaves a visual narrative that explores the intricate relationship between individuals and their cultural heritage. Her primary mediums, photography, and video, become tools to unravel the narratives of migration and postcolonial practices within the African diaspora. 

Atong Atem's Awards

Her artistic prowess has not gone unnoticed, with exhibitions spanning across Australia, including prestigious venues such as the National Gallery of Victoria, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Immigration Museum. Atem has also made waves on the international stage, showcasing her work at renowned institutions like Tate Modern, Photo London 2023, Photo Basel 2022, Red Hook Labs in New York, and the Vogue Fashion Fair in Milan.  

Atem's contributions to the art world have earned her well-deserved recognition, including the inaugural La Prairie Art Award from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the 15 Artists 2022 prize from Moreton Bay Council, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the MECCA M-Power scholarship in 2017, and the Brisbane Powerhouse Melt Portrait Prize in 2016.