Charli XCX has made history as her portrait by Harley Weir was officially added to the National Portrait Gallery collection. The acquisition comes during the week her new album Music, Fashion, Film aims for a No. 1 chart position, cementing her status as a pop culture icon.
The Portrait and Its Significance
The photograph, taken in 2023, became a defining image of Charli’s Brat era—a 2024 album that broke boundaries with its candid and unapologetic themes. Brandei Estes, senior curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, called Charli “one of the defining cultural figures of her generation” and praised Weir’s “distinctive photographic language that combines intimacy with a powerful sense of presence.”
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The portrait is now displayed in the gallery’s History Makers Now space, funded by a gift from the Bukhman Foundation. This addition places Charli alongside other influential figures who have shaped contemporary culture.
Album Success and New Releases
Charli’s album Music, Fashion, Film dropped last Friday to critical acclaim, with The Guardian awarding it five stars and calling Charli “our most consistently bracing pop star.” It could become her fourth UK No. 1 and her second this year, following the Wuthering Heights soundtrack that topped the chart in February.
Midweek Chart Battle
The album currently sits at No. 1 in the midweek chart, ahead of new releases from Snow Patrol, Shania Twain, and The Strokes. Below is a comparison of Charli’s recent chart performance:
| Album | Peak UK Chart Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Brat | No. 1 | 2024 |
| Wuthering Heights Soundtrack | No. 1 | 2025 |
| Music, Fashion, Film | Midweek No. 1 (pending) | 2025 |
Bonus Tracks Released
Over the weekend, Charli surprise-released three B-sides titled “I Keep on Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” “Playboy Bunny,” and “If You Take Away the Music Then What Has She Got?” She initially hesitated to put them on streaming services, saying on Instagram: “I felt adamant I wouldn’t put them on streaming because it sort of felt counterintuitive to the whole ethos of those songs, but I know you all really wanted them so I’ve begrudgingly put them on iTunes lol.”
Charli’s Foray into Film
One album track, “Camera,” documents Charli’s recent acting ventures. She has appeared in the Polish arthouse drama Erupcja, the fantastical 100 Nights of Hero, and opposite Anya Taylor-Joy in an upcoming project. This crossover into film further expands her influence beyond music.
Key Takeaways
- The National Portrait Gallery has acquired a 2023 portrait of Charli XCX by Harley Weir, tied to her Brat era.
- Her album Music, Fashion, Film is on track for a No. 1 debut in the UK.
- Three new bonus tracks have been released exclusively on iTunes.
- Charli is expanding into film acting, with multiple projects in the pipeline.
FAQ
Why is Charli XCX’s portrait in the National Portrait Gallery?
The portrait was selected for its cultural significance, representing Charli’s impact as a pop icon during her Brat era. It is displayed in the History Makers Now space alongside other influential figures.
Who took the photograph of Charli XCX?
The photograph was taken by British photographer Harley Weir in 2023. The gallery praised Weir’s ability to capture intimacy and presence.
What is Charli XCX’s new album about?
Music, Fashion, Film explores themes of fame, creativity, and self-expression. The album features tracks like “Camera” that reflect her recent film work.
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