The history of portraiture spans the entirety of art, encompassing ancient cave paintings, the iconic Fayum portraits, religious icons, and extending to the hyperrealist and abstract works created by modern artists. Among the vast array of artistic genres, the portrait takes a truly exceptional place. Nowhere else do human psychology, introspection, and self-expression find such direct and immediate representation as they do within the realm of portraiture.

The 20th century saw a myriad of artistic movements and styles, which greatly influenced the portrait. Artists like Picasso and Matisse explored ab-stract and cubist approaches to portraiture, breaking away from traditional representations of the human form. The advent of hyperrealism in the latter half of the century brought about a resurgence of highly detailed and lifelike portraits, often challenging the viewer’s perception of reality.

In recent times, portraiture has embraced a wide range of mediums and techniques, including digital art, mixed media, and conceptual art. Artists continue to explore the multifaceted nature of human identity, addressing issues of race, gender, and individuality in their portrayals.

The exhibition ‘Persona Grata’ brings together a group of established artists, showcasing their diverse approaches to the portrait genre. Through a wide range of unique styles, their artworks allow viewers to compare the rich variety of embraced perspectives:

STEPHAN BALKENHOL
GEORGE CONDO
ROBERT LUCANDER
MARTIN MALONEY
VIK MUNIZ
JOEL-PETER WITKI