From the Permanent Collection: The Portrait

Works by Lucie Chan, David Blackwood, John Boyle, Ivan Eyre, Dennis Geden, J.C. Heywood, David Hockney, John Reeves, David Silverberg, Andy Warhol

As a genre of artwork, the portrait may be one of the oldest in history. From capturing the visage of a conquering ruler to a sentimental rendering of a favourite lover, it is a way of working that is compelling to viewers and holds a distinct place in art history.  This selection of works embraces a divergent perspective. Included are stylized profiles by Dennis Geden of North Bay, classically etched features by David Blackwood, and Mao Tse Tung by Andy Warhol.

Painting, printmaking, and photography are used by artists to effectively evoke the spirit of the person they describe so that we too can experience their presence. The portrait conjures a very precise moment of time. The subject is captured forever; the enduring essence of the individual makes portraiture a powerful tool in the artist’s arsenal of skills.