Contemporary Portrait Painting

Definition

This term refers to the practice of painting portraits in the contemporary era, often exploring themes of identity, representation, and the relationship between the subject and the artist, with approaches ranging from realism to abstraction.

History

Contemporary Portrait Painting continues the long tradition of portraiture but often with a focus on exploring modern themes such as identity, race, gender, and the body, challenging traditional representations and pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Notable Examples

NALA term preview

Kehinde Wiley

Obama Portrait, 2018

NALA term preview

Jenny Saville

Strategy, 1994

Key Artists & Movements

Key figures include Kehinde Wiley, known for his vibrant, large-scale portraits of African Americans in poses inspired by classical art, and Jenny Saville, whose works explore the physicality and psychology of the human body.

Techniques & Materials

Techniques involve traditional oil painting on canvas, often combined with modern approaches such as large-scale formats, bold color palettes, and the integration of contemporary cultural references, allowing artists to explore both the physical and psychological aspects of the human figure.

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