Atong Atem’s striking photographs reflect identity, family, history and politics. She often uses herself as a canvas, painting her face, and the images she creates are often a riot of colour, playful and almost always joyous.

On Sunday afternoon, in a pop-up event designed for Mother’s Day, Melburnians will have a chance to get a portrait shot by Atem – with their mum.

Photographer Atong Atem with her baby. Ruby Alexander

That said, the 35-year-old mother of two says her definition of mother for the pop-up is deliberately loose.

To her mind, there are plenty of places where people can celebrate their mum in “that traditional flowers-and-chocolates way”.

Atong Atem’s Maria of Mars (2022). Courtesy of the NGV

“I want just one little space in the world where it’s not about that ...…