Summary
- The National Portrait Gallery in London acquired a portrait of Charli XCX shot by photographer Harley Weir
- One of the defining images of the singer’s Brat era, the artwork is now up at the new History Makers Now gallery
Charli XCX is the latest to join the ranks of the National Portrait Gallery in London. One of the defining images of her Brat era, a 2024 portrait shot by British fashion photographer Harley Weir, has just been acquired by the historic institution, which called Charli “one of the defining artists of our time.”
The untitled piece sees the pop singer leaning against a wall, donning a white crop top and unbuttoned black jeans. It’s one of several images shot by Weir for the double-platinum 2024 record, all of which embody the confessional, club girl cool that lyrically defines the album.
Born and based in London, Weir herself is an “It Girl” of fashion photography, having lensed for the likes of Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Acne, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs. It’s not the first time she’s shot Charli, who fronted a Heaven campaign in 2022.
Harley Weir
Harley Weir
Harley Weir
Harley Weir
“Harley Weir has developed a distinctive photographic language that combines intimacy with a powerful sense of presence,” the gallery’s senior curator, Brandei Estes, said. Outside of fashion, she’s also built a reputation in the fine art world, showing in numerous London galleries and Fragile Beauty at the Jeu de Paume in Paris currently.
The acquisition comes at a momentous week for Charli, who’s hot off the release of her latest art-centric studio album, Music, Fashion, Film, and, outside of the studio, the trailer of Romain Gavras’ Sacrifice, which she stars in beside Yung Lean.
If you’re in London, you can check out the portrait for yourself at History Makers Now, the gallery’s new dedicated space to figures who have shaped contemporary culture. Head to the National Portrait Gallery’s website for more information.
