REVIEW FOR THE ART FUND 1

The 2012 Taylor Wessing Photography Prize yet again showcases some of the world’s most exciting photography talent. The exhibition is a feast for the eyes; it bustles excitedly with the faces of both visitors and portrait subjects and is refreshing in its presentation of both the familiar and unknown. Portraits of athletes, writers and artists share an equal stage with the anonymous, weird and wonderful, such as second-prize winner Jennifer Pattison’s bold shot, ‘Lynne, Brighton’. Matthew Niederhauser’s portrait of controversial Chinese artist Ai-Weiwei is stark and relevant at the entrance to the exhibition, an apt welcome into a dynamic and contemporary show. National Portrait Gallery until February 2013