October 13, 2007 — January 20, 2008 at the FAC MODERN

Faces in the Crowd: Portraiture from the Permanent Collection of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center continues the FAC MODERN’s program of dynamic exhibitions of exciting 20th – 21st century art.

We know portraiture as the visual representation of individual people and expect a portrait to illuminate the subject’s unique physical features, character traits, social position, or profession. Although we usually think of portraiture in relation to human beings, in the broadest sense a portrait can depict people, animals, objects, or even places.

For Faces in the Crowd, FAC Curators Tariana Navas-Nieves and Blake Milteer are presenting a great selection of portraiture from throughout the Americas. This exhibition highlights the complex creative process in which the artist must render physical likeness as well as emotions, desires, struggles, or triumphs from within the subject.

The wide range of those portrayed reflects the development of styles and the growing acknowledgement and exploration of issues of identity and cultural diversity. From traditional pictures that capture the likeness of the sitter to unusual works in which the subject represents general and universal concerns, this show embraces the fullest range of portraiture from the Museum’s collection.

Prior to the 20th century, portraitists were usually compelled to respond to and follow the wishes of the sitters, bringing together expected poses, format, and costume to fulfill the specific demands of the client. As we move into the Modern era, artists take a freer and more expressionistic approach in order to create a likeness that is perhaps more than just physical.

Works included in the show include Paul Cadmus’s Study for David and Goliath, which depicts the artist and his longtime partner reenacting Baroque artist Caravaggio’s paintings that were based on the Old Testament story.

These works run the gamut from irreverent humor to deeply felt homage. Also included are portraits of non-humans such as James Wyeth’s Study for Angus and Dan Britton’s Bacon Dog, not to mention a few surprises…

"Faces in the Crowd can please both advanced art patrons and beginning gallery visitors. And while it could be considered a classic art show, it's one the likes of which you may not see again."
- The Colorado Springs Independent