Adam

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on August 14, 2013 at 4:15pm

Curator’s Comments:  

 

These portraits are all very competent, adept photo-real works, but I’m attracted to the work entitled Adam because of its departure from strictly local color, and what seem to be more dramatic choices in leaving some small facial contours and edges less defined. The overall warmth of the piece is skillfully maintained by the umber colors in the child’s skin and straw hat, while the vivid blue-violet shadows impart depth and emotional complexity to his expression.  While he meets the viewer directly with his straightforward gaze, I perceive no indication of formality or stiffness that can sometimes arise from an arranged/ posed posture or photograph. The small pieces of light passing through the woven hat also appear to cast bits of ambient light on the subject, providing a reverse halo of sorts. The shirt washes away in the palest blue. Without further adornment or costuming, the portrait maintains a universality, and simple grace.