History of art is my interest and if it is yours, then I recommend visiting "Face Value: Portraiture in the Age of Abstraction" at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.
The show has a wonderful selection of portraits and you will enjoy learning about different panting styles and themes the painters dealt with. Some portraits are abstract with color blocks telling the story of the person being portrayed; some portrait are realistic and every wrinkle on a person's face will be exposed to your viewing. In some portraits, the artists give you an insight into who they are. In others, you will see a painter's interpretation of a famous person.
Below are several examples that caught my attention. I find it pretty exciting to read the description next to each painting and then think of the person portrayed and their particular story. I also find that at looking at a portrait, I am internally investigating my own experience and thoughts.
Check the exhibition out! It is on display until January 2015.
The show has a wonderful selection of portraits and you will enjoy learning about different panting styles and themes the painters dealt with. Some portraits are abstract with color blocks telling the story of the person being portrayed; some portrait are realistic and every wrinkle on a person's face will be exposed to your viewing. In some portraits, the artists give you an insight into who they are. In others, you will see a painter's interpretation of a famous person.
Below are several examples that caught my attention. I find it pretty exciting to read the description next to each painting and then think of the person portrayed and their particular story. I also find that at looking at a portrait, I am internally investigating my own experience and thoughts.
Check the exhibition out! It is on display until January 2015.
Sir Charles, Alias Willie Harris
Barkley Hendricks (born 1945)
Oil on canvas, 1972
Barkley Hendricks (born 1945)
Oil on canvas, 1972
Interior with Leland
Louisa Matthíasdóttir (1917–2000)
Oil on canvas, 1945–46
Louisa Matthíasdóttir (1917–2000)
Oil on canvas, 1945–46
Portrait of Jamie Wyeth with Tan Background
Andy Warhol (1928–1987)
Acrylic and screenprint on canvas, 1976
Andy Warhol (1928–1987)
Acrylic and screenprint on canvas, 1976