Tanya Borg is an Australian portrait artist whose work explores the strength, resilience and stories carried within the human face.
She is drawn to people who embody quiet courage — individuals who have faced challenges, overcome adversity or shown extraordinary character in their lives. Through portraiture, Borg seeks to honour these stories and create work that recognises the dignity and humanity within each subject.
Working primarily in charcoal, her portraits aim to capture not only physical likeness but also the presence and truth of the individual. Each work is an attempt to create a moment of recognition — a portrait that says simply: I see you. Your story matters.
Alongside commissioned portrait work, Borg also creates independent series celebrating individuals whose courage, leadership or resilience deserve greater recognition.

Background

Tanya Borg was born in Innisfail in Far North Queensland, Australia. Growing up on a sugar cane farm, she developed a love of art at a young age, surrounded by landscapes and objects that inspired creativity.
Although her passion for art remained strong, she initially believed that a career as an artist was unlikely for someone from a rural background. After moving to Brisbane in 2009, she decided to pursue that ambition and formally develop her practice.

Education and Professional Experience

Borg completed drawing and painting studies at the Brisbane Institute of Art in 2011–2012 before obtaining an Advanced Diploma of Visual Art at TAFE Brisbane in 2014.
She was the recipient of the Jugglers Art Space Group Exhibition Award and was invited to participate in an Artist in Residence program at Mary MacKillop College in Brisbane in 2015.

Commission a portrait