Portraiture: A Philadelphia Tradition

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

Where were you looking at portraits without artists' names? I have noticed that problem, but mostly in hospitals, offices, universities, etc. They hire the artist and then once the job is done they forget there ever was an artist. But Philadelphia is so reserved about everything, it wouldn't surprise me even in a museum.

Well, I was wandering around academic institutions and hotel lobbies, brooding about the invisibility of the many fine portrait painters I saw there. One of the differences between 'fine art' and 'work for hire' is that the artist gets to take the public credit (or the blame) for the resulting product. I suppose that in portraiture, there are two other strong competing claims for the visual rights to the product: the subject and the commissioning institution.

Furhtermore, if we were painting icons - devotional pieces which are themselves sacred and divine presences - artists would remain anonymous. Maybe we are painting icons.

Anyway, I suppose we could write it into our contracts that artists should be credited when a portrait is publicly displayed. I'm not sure how this would go over with clients, though; probably not very well.

The best thing to do is what you're doing with this show: reveal that portraits are painted by real artists.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

I suppose we could write it into our contracts that artists should be credited when a portrait is publicly displayed. I'm not sure how this would go over with clients, though; probably not very well.

Actually I'd be willing to bet that, if we wrote that into our contracts, no one would bat an eyelash. We are too wimpy

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

The best thing to do is what you're doing with this show: reveal that portraits are painted by real artists.

Thanks, Linda, I hadn't thought of that angle. It's so elementary, yet so important and shouldn't be glossed over.

[Alexandra Tyng]

I'm happy to report that the opening reception went well! in spite of a slight lack of organization with PR efforts, attendance was good and we had some press coverage. We were also able to enlist the help of Al Gury, a painter and Chair of the Painting Departnment at the Pennsylvania Acadamy of Fine Arts. He wrote a short piece on the show and on the history of portraiture in Philadelphia which the art center made available as a handout.

Here are some photos of the opening:

1) A group photo of most of the participating artists.From L to R: Catherine Prescott, Addie Cooper, John Ennis, Ellen Cooper, Nancy Bea Miller, Alex Tyng, Garth Herrick, Ernie Norcia, Jennifer Frudakis, Glenn Harrington.
2) Garth and I with the Director of the Wayne Art Center, in front of Garth's work.
3) Ellen Cooper's work, including her PSA prizewinner centerpiece.
4) Here I'm chatting up a storm in front of my work.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Here are a few more photos:

1) My daughter and a friend (and Garth in middle ground) in front of Catherine Prescott's work.
2) Nancy Bea Miller in front of her work.
3) John Ennis's work (next to Nancy Bea's).

Help, Garth, my photos are not too great! You must have some better ones.

[Pam Powell]

Congratulations! Thank you for the photos, its a beautiful exhibition. I'm so inspired by all of you.

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Many thanks for posting the photos, the show looks very elegant, as do you and Garth.
What a shame not being able to see it in person. Many congratulations, how nice to see privately owned works finally on display.
Ilaria

[Pam Powell]

Thank you also for explaining how this show came into being. I remember at the very first PSA conference, California was being called a "cultural wasteland" because so little portraiture was being commissioned here, however we have loads of talented painters. We all keep saying it's a matter of educating the public, and this seems like a terrific way to do that.

[Allan Rahbek]

What a great show, such a lot of fine works, I wish that I could have been there.
Congratulations to all

[Mischa Milosevic]

I must have missed this announcement, or was in a hurry if I saw it? I don't remember? Wow!! A sincere congrats Alex and cudos for all the artists and friends that were involved. It is grate when a vision becomes a reality. I so enjoy to see moments like this and the joy it brings. Wonderful!

Thank you for the photos and the update.

[Sharon Knettell]

One of the most exciting things for an artist is to see your work displayed in public in a great venue such as this. Great going Alex!