Charli XCX Portrait by Harley Weir Enters National Portrait Gallery

London's National Portrait Gallery (NPG) has added a 2023 photograph of pop sensation Charli XCX, taken by Harley Weir, to its 'History Makers' gallery. The striking image reflects the defiant essence of Charli's album Brat, showcasing her with tousled hair and a cropped t-shirt against a wall. Harley Weir, a London native born in 1988, is celebrated for her high-fashion photography that blends sensuality with artistry, having collaborated with brands like Balenciaga, Celine, Stella McCartney, and Gucci. The acquisition was part of NPG's 'Collecting the Now' initiative, backed by a £1 million ($1.3 million) donation from the Bukhman Foundation, which also purchased works by artists such as Barbara Walker and Sonia Boyce. Senior curator Brandei Estes praised Weir's ability to merge intimacy with a commanding presence. Charli XCX's 2024 album Brat has reached double-platinum status, and another of Weir's photographs from her 2015 Senegal series is currently displayed at Jeu de Paume in Paris until September 24.