Issy Wood Named First Artist in National Portrait Gallery's New Focus Program

Issy Wood has been chosen as the first artist for Artist Focus, a contemporary initiative introduced by the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London. This program aims to highlight artists who innovate within the realm of portraiture, featuring three solo exhibitions annually, backed by the Gallery's new Contemporary Council. The debut exhibition, titled "Issy Wood: Self-Portraits," will run from October 9, 2026, to February 28, 2027, in the Weston Wing of the Gallery. It will showcase 12 self-portraits, representing the largest and first dedicated exhibition of this aspect of her work. Admission will be free. A highlight will be Self Portrait 2 (2021), one of three pieces already part of the NPG's collection, the only national institution to possess a Wood self-portrait. Additionally, 11 paintings from the artist's collection will be featured, with seven previously unseen. Wood's self-portrait series, initiated in 2020, is characterized by its tight cropping and framing.