National Portrait Gallery acquires major work from Ryan Presley’s Blood Money series

A powerful portrait by Marri Ngarr artist Dr Ryan Presley has been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery. Blood money – infinite dollar note – Aunty Regina Pilawuk Wilson (2023) pays tribute to the life, legacy and cultural impact of Ngan’gikurrungurr Elder and artist Aunty Regina Pilawuk Wilson (b. 1948).

The work is part of Presley’s ongoing Blood Money series, where he reimagines currency to challenge colonial systems of value and representation. Presley replaces the face of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the Australian five dollar note with that of Wilson, set against rich symbology that speaks to her community and cultural legacy. “The dollar value becomes an infinity sign, representing the immeasurable cultural value of the subject,” Presley explains.

The watercolour painting, meticulously rendered at a large scale, features motifs like the pandanus fruit, a lotus flower and the sand palm, which is integral to Indigenous weaving practices. A watermark reveals the word Nimbi, meaning “old cultural ways,” composed in language and developed with Wilson’s input.

Presley describes Wilson, who is a relative, as an “artist, leader and senior knowledge holder.” The portrait not only honours her contributions but also reframes the visual language of Australian currency to recognise First Nations history and resistance.

The work is now on display at the National Portrait Gallery on Ngunnawal & Ngambri Country. Visit their website for more information.