portraiture – criticismism ii

July 7, 2012

Shawn Huckins: Dorothy Quincy, Don’t You Realize That I Only Text You When I’m Drunk (2012)

This is a work of many layers, the earliest one being a portrait of Dorothy Quincy by American realist painter John Singleton Copley. Quincy was the wife of the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence. So her portrait is also a slice of history, nevermind art history. Shawn…

March 21, 2012

David Dawson, Mirror in Studio (2004)

Like many a good artistâ€™s studio, that of Lucian Freud required a mirror. And when David Dawson was in the studio it would have become a rich metaphor. Freudâ€˜s longterm assistant was also a painter. The master would also paint Dawson. And Dawson in turn made portraits of his employer…

August 6, 2009

Zachary Walsh – Greek Street

Published on Culture 24 Zachary Walsh â€“ Greek Street, Ink_d Gallery, Brighton, until August 23 2009 Zeus has you fixed with a hard stare. It’s a surprise to meet him in the flesh like this and he looks avuncular, somewhat amused, yet quizzical. It’s definitely him because stretching out behind…

July 4, 2009

Real icons at the NPG

Published on Culture 24 Fabiola, Francis AlÃ¿s, National Portrait Gallery, London, until September 20 2009 Amid the many famous faces at the National Portrait Gallery are two rooms packed with 300 images of a fourth century Christian saint. It’s doubtful they capture her likeness, but they bear a striking resemblance…