The Portrait Gallery is deeply hounored to have received a gift from the Adam Foundation of six portraits from the extensive private collection of Denis and Verna Adam. These works are by some of New Zealand’s leading artists and add a richness and breadth to the Gallery’s permanent collection.

Image: Denis and Verna Adam at the opening of the Adam Portraiture Award 2010

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Maryanne Shearman, Tuhi-Ao, oil on canvas (winner of The Adam Portraiture Award 2024)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Sasha Lees, See Me
Winner People’s Choice Award 2022

New Zealand’s premier portrait prize returns in 2020.

Image: Gwyn Hughes, Stig and the Taniwha, Winner People’s Choice Award

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Winner of the People’s Choice Award, Justine Turnbull

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image:Sisters (André Brönnimann)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Tim (Henry Christian-Slane)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: 3 nights, A mirror and Loads of Coffee (Stephen Martyn Welch)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Kayte (Harriet Bright)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: The Blue Girl (Irene Ferguson)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Portrait of Hans (Freeman White)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Self Portrait (Ryuzo Nishida)

The biennial Adam Portraiture Award is New Zealand’s premier portrait prize.

Image: Meren and Josie (Marianne Muggeridge)