I'm sure you are all familiar with the children's story of the Emperor's new clothes. Well I feel like I'm about to emulate the whistle blower.
This review of the new portrait of Oprah Winfrey in the Smithsonian comes in two parts:
- a list of the unfortunately high number of things I can find wrong with the portrait; and
- some straight facts about the commission, the sitter and the artist - because when all said and done somebody did go to a lot of effort - even if I really don't like it.
Before I go any further, let me say a few things.
I think Oprah Winfrey has achieved some remarkable things in her lifetime. As
such she very definitely deserves a portrait in the Smithsonian. As described
by the Smithsonian
As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur, Winfrey has made significant contributions to American popular culture, which earned her a place in the National Portrait Gallery.
Whether it should be this particular portrait to deliver a place is another
matter - discussed below.
I've personally always found Oprah interesting. I've watched a few of her programmes
and some of the things she has written and have always found her interesting.
I also admire what she has done in terms of building a commercial empire. I
certainly don't dislike her - even if I'm not a fan of some of the company she
keeps.
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Oprah Winfrey (2023) by Shawn Michael Warren,
oil on linen, 6 feet 10 inches by 5 feet 8 inches
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.
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The painting depicts a self-assured and joyful Winfrey holding a sprig from an olive tree. Smithsonian press release
1. Let me count the problems.....
This review is coming from the perspective of somebody who has written a
lot about portraiture over the last 18 years and has viewed excellent
portraits by renowned portrait artists and knows and has known leading contemporary portrait artists.
It's also coming from somebody who is British born and bred and lives in
London but comes from the north. Which means I tend to be rather direct and
say what I mean rather than do a lot of fawning....
I wouldn't normally call out a portrait I don't like. But there was so
much OTT fawning over this one on the American side of the Atlantic and so
many people saying how wonderful it was, I thought it could maybe do with
another perspective from across the pond. Just for balance you understand....
I do understand that what Americans think is good art is not necessarily what Brits might think of as good art - and vice versa. It's a cultural thing - which is sometimes nearly as big as the ocean that divides us. So my perspective is coming from my cultural background.
This list of what's wrong with the portrait has been helped by
those commenting on my Facebook Page
when the picture of the portrait was first published.
Plus some reflection over a few days....
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| My post on my Making A Mark Facebook Page. |
I'm going to tackle a number of different aspects in turn.
Technical
This is not a portrait from life. How do I know?
