NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE: PORTRAIT AWARD 2021 Rust-En-Vrede Gallery www.rust-en-vrede.com
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ortraiture is one of the oldest genres in art history. Although we are now living in a world where selfies are a part of everyday life, portraits have survived through the ages and have never been more relevant than they are today. New artists creating striking portraits are emerging each day, ensuring the strong status and relevance of the genre in contemporary art. According to art critic Lorenzo Pereira, what makes portraits so magical, is the ability to depict not only the physical, but also the psychological characteristics of a figure. Portraits have the capability to portray more than just the likeness of a person, giving us insight into the wider cultural context and background of the sitter, as well as their psychological makeup. Besides the information that a portrait communicates to its viewers regarding the appearance of the subject, it is also important in contemporary art that a portrait contains a context, identity questions and socio-political issues. Not even symbolism can respond to these demands.
Above: 2015 Portrait Award- Sue Pace pointing out details of Annette Pretorius’s work to her family. Right: 2019 Top 40 Finalist Richard Mudariki, Baba (Father), Oil on Canvas
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