BP Portrait Award shortlisted finalists 2007
 

Here are the 4 shortlisted finalists for the BP Portrait award 2007 . Perhaps you've already had a look.

Anyone impressed? Not impressed? Other comments? I would be interested to hear what people think.

Thomasin, obviously there has been a trend in the past couple of years toward photorealism and even last year I found the selection quite disppointing.
Up to last year it was specified on the rules of the competition that the portrait had to be painted from life...
There was an article recently by one of the judges. She admitted that the shortlisted pieces were maybe not the best, and that they all looked quite similar.
She blamed the selection process: when examining almost 2000 entries the big faces are what strikes more, and there is not much time to look carefully at each work submitted.
If this is where the british portraiture is heading I am not going !
Ilaria

Thomasin,

Looking at these works brought to mind the selected works of another big contest here in Spain--it would seem that this tendency towards photorealism of which Ilaria speaks also seems to be the trend here, at least in some circles, because the abstract and the experimental still seem to proliferate also.
Here is the link to that contest, if you are interested to have a look:

http://www.fundaciondelasartes.org/p...p?id=ES&pag=36

Although there are some worthy works among the selected, you will spot at once the ones that are similar to the BP works.

The trend seems to swing from one end of the pendulum to the other--hopefully it will soon stop in the middle.

I read that judges article with interest too Ilaria... infact recently, for another fairly high profile UK painting award I was told a work of mine was rejected, despite being the favourite of one of the judges, because the others couldnt agree they instead selected a piece that didnt cause any polaritity of opinion at all - one in effect nobody "minded" - it's a shame to hear and see this averaging out of taste, aimed no doubt to please everyone all of the time - but clearly we are loosing the chance of seeing so much interesting and more diverse work as a result...

Also I wonder if you agree, but the repetition of head and shoulders only pieces is getting a little ridiculous, I'm wondering if I'll ever see arms or - heaven forbid - HANDS again!!! ;-)

On the other hand I am really hopeful that the BP will be a great show this year - the injection of all that extra talent from the now accepted over 40 age group surely won't fail to enrich the quality of the show no end. I await the opening in a couple of weeks with baited breath!!

MJ

That's disturbing. How seriously is the responsibility of ajudging being taken?

I liked the last one; thought it was a fine example of the genre.

Mary Jane, out of curiosity I wanted to know wether you enjoyed last year show if you saw it.
Peronally as I said I was quite disppointed, I didn't really see anything that astonished me for beauty and handling of the paint.
It seemed to me that many artists were more after looks (contemporary, provocative, etc), and very few works seemed motivated by a real and profound artistic interest.

The head and shoulder choice is BORING, makes me think: come on, a little more effort. Maybe it's difficult to have many details to copy from in a photo if you have to step back and put the hands in too ?! (couldn't find a devilish smiley for this sentence)

Lisa, I came to conclusion that the choice is made quite randomely, and I just consider these show as a portion that does not represent the whole!

Ilaria

Don't get me started! ;-)

So to get noticed, paint a monstrously oversized head (even better if the face is fully 24 inches wide), and make sure it has a totally empty graphite toned background of nothingness. :thumbsdow Yes, I'm unimpressed that all four finalists fit such a precise dull uniform formulation. None of it moves me; on the other hand, all who posted above do move me greatly.

Garth

Ilaria, I was really glad to see Andrew Tift finally win, he's been such a consistant gem of the award for years it was high time... otherwise there were a few pieces that appealed for their technique, and a certain personal individuality (certainly Darvish Fakr showed a big chunk of bravura and panache as usual, plus we frequent the same open life drawing studio...) but generally I felt it was a bit of a flat year. Actually I am still unsure if 2nd and 3rd were of the same model;-)

Thank-you for all your replies. Yes, I think that selecting finalists from about 1500 entires in just 3 days (was it?) may be a way of avoiding pain and confusion on the part of the judges, poor things. I remember when I was younger I, and many other artists, carefully finished, framed and hand-delivered our paintings to be judged for a worthy competition and was told by one of those who witnessed the selection process that the judge came in in a rush, with obviously better things he wanted to do, and briskly walked by saying: "that one, that one, not that, one, that one etc." as fast as you can read the words. I am sure that must be how they judge the BP award initially (with the essential tea-and-chat breaks) as they quite clearly don't have time for more deliberate consideration. Obviously, though, I am speaking with the bitterness of rejection. It is a pity artists are generally not a lot richer or we could hire a venue to set up a "Salon des Refus

I agree, Andrew Tift's "Kitty" is an interesting triptych portrait.

As always with Andrew Tifts work I found it exquisite up close... incidentally I noticed on his blog that he is giving a one week course focusing on Super-realist portraiture at the Andreeva Portrait Academy, Santa Fe, New Mexico, in September 2007.

http://www.andrewtift.co.uk/portrait-artist/?p=76

Hello all,

I made it in this year with a portrait of my brother - a painting that seems to make sense to no one other than myself (there is indeed, a story behind it) I think it's quite crucial, especially as artists, to remain open-minded and accepting of the fact that everyone comes from a different background and is influenced by a broad range of techniques, styles, periods, etc. I believe the BP 2007 exhibition to be a great collection of portraiture, one of which reflects and appeals perhaps to a more contemporary fare ... and one of which I am happy to take part of.

That's great!
 

Dear Maryam,

I want to congratulate you! I would love to see an image of your accepted portrait; however, having just vistited your website, I have no doubt of its merit. All your works comprise sophisticated accomplishment, and are beautifully compelling in their intimate scale and composition. Thanks for sharing your wonderful and well deserved news!

If possible, could you share an image of your portrait of your brother here?

Garth

Dear Garth,

Thank you so very much for your kind and warm response. It means a lot coming from an artist of such respectable and admirable caliber. As requested, I've attached a picture of my brothers portrait. It may not be everyone's cup of tea (including my own, as I find my taste ever-shifting) - but there you have it!
The inspiration struck whilst my brother was experiencing a rough patch in life. During that period of time, his courage to maintain a healthy dose of childlike humor (evidenced by placing a flower vase upside down on his head) had moved me. It was one of those rare moments when I had actually envisioned the finish painting prior to tackling the easel. I hope this brief explanation will provide a bit of insight as to my motivation and the expression of the piece as it wasn't meant to portray flippancy - contrary to the possible impression at first glance...

All the best,
Maryam

I like that, Maryam. Very much, actually. Such a strong portrait, and a happy quirk with it. No wonder you got in. You draw very well, and I looked at your website and was most impressed. Congratulations! I wish you would post more of your works here on the forum, I would very much like to see and discuss them with you.

It doesn't look flippant, but, instead, humourous: as though you were presenting humour as something to consider intellectually and take seriously.

Hi Maryam,

I love it! This portrait has genuine impact and is supremely memorable, making it an essential piece of the show. Imparting considerable energy in your concise and direct composition, the vase being pushed to center indeed creates a strong statement of your brother! I admire the purposeful strength you endow all your portraits and paintings. Thanks for sharing this with the Forum. Bravo, and congratulations; it is an honor to have you here!

Garth

Thomasin, you say things so well!

I am trying to imagine in response to Maryam's innovative portrait, what the impact and uproar may be if, say one of us with a serious regular portrait commission pushed it likewise off center; like a federal judge pushed to the edge! It could be humorous and quite interesting to chance such a risky statement. I love it when a single humble image wakes up and shakes up everything else in its wake.

Garth

Hello Maryam,

This a strong and moving portrait. I love it and its composition as well.
I love the colors you have used. Much more intense than some other portraits you are showing on your website, and I find that appealing.

Anyway, tons of congratulations!

Karine

Dear Thomasin, Garth, and Karine,

Thank you all for being so wonderfully welcoming and taking to time to express feedback on my work - I'm most appreciative! I'll admit to feeling a bit like a fish out of water when it comes to hearing opinions on my work, thus finding this incredibly insightful. I shall try to fend off intimidation and participate in this lovely forum more often.

Stay well,
Maryam

Hi Maryam

I'm so pleased to see another of your lovely paintings in the BP - I remember very much enjoying pouring over your exquisite brushwork in the 2004 exhibition...

Incidentally just in case it's of interest to you (and of course any other of the UK members) there is a Private View this friday (6th july) from 7.30pm for the lovely and talented figurative painter Nigel Cox at the GX Gallery, Camberwell, London

http://www.gxgallery.com/
http://www.njcox.com/

I'm going along and it would be great to say hello to anyone else who makes it.

Best wishes
Mary Jane

Hello Mary Jane,

Thanks so much for the lovely message...
I've admired your works for some time as well - a few of which I was fortunate to view in person (at the National Portrait Gallery of course, as well as the London Art Fair)! I particularly love the way you manage to capture a powerful yet intimate feel in your pieces.

As for Nigel's show, I am 80% sure I'll be able to attend and say hello. It would be lovely to meet you alas!

Stay well,
Maryam

Hi Maryam

Oh how lovely - thank you in return! (It's funny, it always surprises me slightly that people do actually see these paintings of ours "out there" :-) I really do hope you can make it, it would be such a pleasure to meet you.

Best wishes
Mary Jane