A Look at Portraiture

Every year, the National Portrait Gallery in London holds an exhibit of the BP Portrait Award submissions. I'm always interested to see the finalists largely because portraiture seems like one of the few art genres that is a constant. The museum is a testament to that fact and seeing paintings of Henry VIII to Blur remind me of the timelessness inherent in the drive to depict individuals. In a single portrait you can learn so much: what do the clothes say about the subject, or the lack of clothes? What personality comes across in their stance or gaze? Is it an honest depiction, or is the artist adding a creative element? Does this element suggest inner psychology or external influences?

Here are my personal favorites from this year. I found myself drawn to introspective depictions without the photographic crispness that many were attempting. Careful use and consideration of light is also paramount in my personal taste, so whether it's glowing luminosity or a subtle touch, light plays a major factor in my reaction to a work.


above left: Portrait of Amanda Smith at Vincent Avenue by Simon Davies
above right: Marian Dormint (Marian Sleeping) by Josep Joaquim Santilari Perarnau


above left: Konjit by Maryam Foroozanfar
above right: Lliana by Krasimir Kolev


above left: Kristy, 3rd Attempt by Geert Schless
above right: Boots No.7 (2) by Harriet White