Kinship

Recent events have inspired artists to explore the concept of closeness in a new light, with the National Portrait Gallery's "Portraiture Now" exhibition featuring the work of eight leading contemporary artists who examine familial relationships through photography, painting, sculpture, and performance. Contemporary portraiture offers a way to consider the mutable yet enduring qualities of familial relationships and the internal and external forces that affect our bonds with others, highlighting the transformations that occur in the genre and the threads that todays portraits share.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

The recent surge of events has prompted artists to reexamine the concept of intimacy in fresh and innovative ways. Kinship, a captivating exhibition organized in conjunction with the National Portrait Gallery's tenth "Portraiture Now" exhibition, showcases the captivating works of eight renowned contemporary artists who delve into the intricate realm of familial relationships through a diverse range of mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, and performance.

Contemporary portraiture serves as a powerful lens through which to explore the ever-changing yet enduring aspects of familial bonds, as well as the internal and external forces that shape our connections with others. In this context, interpretations of distance, whether emotional, physical, or geographical, have taken on a heightened significance, becoming fraught with complexity and nuance. By acknowledging the transformations that have taken place within the genre of portraiture and the shared threads that connect todays portraits, we gain a deeper understanding of the universality and specificity of kinship.

The artists featured in Kinship are:

Njideka Akunyili Crosby: Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a Nigerian-American artist known for her vibrant and thought-provoking portraits that explore themes of identity, culture, and gender. Her work often incorporates elements of collage and abstraction, creating intricate and layered compositions that challenge traditional notions of portraiture.

Jess T. Dugan: Jess T. Dugan is a New York-based artist who creates powerful and intimate portraits that explore themes of race, gender, and sexuality. Her work often incorporates elements of performance and self-reflection, creating a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that resonates with her subjects.

LaToya Ruby Frazier: LaToya Ruby Frazier is a Chicago-based artist known for her large-scale photographic portraits that explore themes of race, gender, and identity. Her work often incorporates elements of documentary photography and social commentary, creating a powerful and thought-provoking visual narrative.

Jessica Todd Harper: Jessica Todd Harper is a New York-based artist who creates intimate and contemplative portraits that explore themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. Her work often incorporates elements of abstraction and symbolism, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity that invites viewers to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level.

Thomas Holton: Thomas Holton is a New York-based artist who creates powerful and expressive portraits that explore themes of identity, race, and gender. His work often incorporates elements of abstraction and symbolism, creating a sense of ambiguity and complexity that challenges traditional notions of portraiture.

Sedrick Huckaby: Sedrick Huckaby is a Chicago-based artist known for his large-scale photographic portraits that explore themes of identity, culture, and history. His work often incorporates elements of documentary photography and social commentary, creating a powerful and thought-provoking visual narrative.

Anna Tsouhlarakis: Anna Tsouhlarakis is a London-based artist known for her intimate and contemplative portraits that explore themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. Her work often incorporates elements of abstraction and symbolism, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity that invites viewers to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level.

Kinship offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted and ever-evolving nature of familial relationships, shedding light on the complexities and nuances that shape our connections with others. Through the captivating works of these eight talented artists, we are invited to contemplate the enduring qualities of kinship and the transformative power of portraiture in capturing the essence of human connection.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 184 x 237 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777439778