The Christmas Tree Bucket

The National Gallery of Australia is now presenting the entire suite of pictures from leading contemporary photographer Trent Parke’s iconic 2006–09 series The Christmas Tree Bucket in the NGA Collection Display – on view until September 2026. A tender and irreverent portrayal of his extended family coming together to celebrate Christmas, the series encapsulates Parke’s distinctive visual style and skilful use of light and colour, lensing suburban shibboleths with raw documentary candour and an eye for the uncanny that transforms the mundane into something transcendent.

Born in Mulubinba/Newcastle, Parke is one of the most insightful and compelling documentarians of contemporary Australia and the only Australian photographer to have become a member of the prestigious photo agency Magnum. All works from Trent Parke’s extraordinary photographic archive – including remaining editions from The Christmas Tree Bucket – are available to acquire by request, with a selection available to browse and acquire online. For assistance with this collection of photographs please email danielsoma@michaelreid.com.au