Over a hundred celebrated figures from the colourful areas of art, fashion, business, and entertainment will be showcased in LEGENDS by Zoë Law. This new exhibition is a love letter from the artist to those who have dramatically impacted her life and career.
Among the many highlights is the display of a dramatic portrait of Noel Gallagher, shown here for the first time since it entered the Collection. This portrait is shown alongside the première of a previously unseen photograph of actress Kim Cattrall, adding an extra layer of glamour to the display.
“My series celebrates LEGEND” – ZL.
This is a rare opportunity to view this remarkable Collection at the National Portrait Gallery in the Studio Gallery and Spotlight Space from November 29, 2024, through March 2, 2025. The sitters are captured in Zoë Law’s black-and-white style, range from World Cup-winning footballer Sir Bobby Charlton to Lady Phyll, Co-Founder of UK Black Pride.
As a famous singer and songwriter, Noel Gallagher said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have my portrait added to the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent Collection. The thought of the portrait of a grumpy middle-aged man who frankly hates having his picture taken permanently displayed for future generations to marvel at is extraordinary. Thanks and praise.”
Ms Zoë Law said: “It is the most significant honour that the National Portrait Gallery has acquired my portrait of the legend Noel Gallagher. It’s a legacy that portrait photographers and artists dream about forever.
Senior Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, Sabina Jaskot-Gill, said: “‘We are thrilled to have recently acquired Zoë Law’s portrait of Noel Gallagher for the Gallery’s Photographs Collection. I look forward to seeing more of her ‘LEGENDS’ exhibited across our Studio Gallery and Spotlight Space in what promises to be an exciting and innovative display. I hope these striking monochromatic portraits — celebrating the diversity of British cultural life — help inspire the next generation of photographers and visitors to the National Portrait Gallery.”
In addition to their display, the portraits by Zoë Law will also play an integral part of a new learning program aimed at nurturing the talents of young photographers. The scheme will take students from state-maintained secondary schools over a period of three years and let them discover photographic practices, tools, and techniques. Students can explore their creativity and learn photographic techniques when working with the Collection and LEGEND.
Join the rare celebration of passion, dedication, and resilience captured by one of Britain’s leading contemporary photographers.
Top Photo: Noel Gallagher by Zoë Law © Zoë Law 2019.