Es Devlin’s ‘A National Portrait’ Explained: How to Become Part of the National Portrait Gallery’s Moving Masterpiece

Es Devlin has officially launched ‘A National Portrait,’ a massive evolving digital installation at the National Portrait Gallery that transforms the UK public into co-authors of a living collective artwork. Developed in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture Lab, the project marks a pivot for the world-renowned stage designer, shifting from stadium-sized spectacles to an intimate, participatory study of national identity through digital charcoal and chalk.

Es Devlin’s ‘A National Portrait’ Explained

The project is a participatory digital artwork installed in the Gallery’s History Makers space, running from May 14 to October 27, 2026. Using a dedicated online platform, anyone in the UK can upload a photograph of themselves, which an AI—trained on Devlin’s own charcoal and chalk drawing techniques—then "etches" into an animated portrait. These individual faces are instantly integrated into a constantly shifting, large-scale projection that sits alongside the gallery’s historic collection.

Full Breakdown: The Tech and Meaning Behind the Faces

‘A National Portrait’ isn’t just a digital slideshow; it is a three-year research project into how light and code can replicate the physical act of drawing.

The "Surgical" Digital Charcoal

Devlin’s goal was to bridge the gap between human touch and machine learning.

• The Process: Participants upload a photo at goo.gle/national-portrait. The system doesn't just apply a filter; it "draws" the face in real-time using digital particles that mimic the texture of charcoal on paper.

• The Download: Every co-author receives a downloadable digital edition of their portrait, effectively "owning" a piece of the National Portrait Gallery’s 2026 history.

• The Evolution: As new participants join, the artwork redraws itself, layering faces to create a "temporary society" that reflects the UK’s current demographic in real-time.

Why It’s at the National Portrait Gallery

Installed in the History Makers gallery, the work is positioned as a direct response to the "Great Man" theory of history. By placing ordinary citizens in the same space as kings and world leaders, Devlin is arguing that national identity is a shared, constantly changing process rather than a fixed historical record.

Mode B: Why Devlin is Reclaiming the "Human Mark"

For an artist who has designed Super Bowl Halftime Shows and Olympic ceremonies, this project feels uncharacteristically quiet—and that’s the point.

The PR Pivot

Industry insiders suggest that ‘A National Portrait’ is Devlin’s response to the rise of hyper-polished, "soulless" AI imagery. By focusing on the "imperfection" of charcoal—even in digital form—she is reclaiming the human mark. It’s a calculated risk to prove that technology can enhance our connection to physical art rather than replace it.

The Drawing Workshops

To reinforce this, Devlin is hosting a series of free Drop-In Drawing sessions at the gallery. These aren't just for kids; they are high-level workshops designed to get people to put down their phones and "reconnect eyes to hands."

• Key Date: The final drawing session hosted by Devlin herself is scheduled for October 2, 2026.

Quick Facts

Category	Detail
Release Date	May 14, 2026
Closing Date	October 27, 2026
Platform	National Portrait Gallery, London (History Makers Space)
Artist	Es Devlin (in collab with Google Arts & Culture Lab)
Cost	Free to enter and participate
International Status	Participating online is UK-only; digital highlights available on Google Arts & Culture globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become part of Es Devlin’s National Portrait?

Visit the official website to upload your photo. Once processed, your digital charcoal portrait will be added to the evolving installation inside the National Portrait Gallery.

Is the National Portrait Gallery free?

Yes, general entry to the gallery and the ‘A National Portrait’ installation is free to the public, though some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

What technology is used in the installation?

The work uses projection mapping and a custom AI algorithm developed with Google Arts & Culture Lab to translate 2D photographs into animated charcoal and chalk drawings.

Can I visit the exhibition if I’m outside the UK?

While the physical installation is in London, international audiences can view the collective evolving portrait and see curated highlights through the Google Arts & Culture app.