The Met's exhibition, 'The Face of Modern Life', offers a captivating exploration of portraiture, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a portrait. Curated by Stephanie D'Alessandro, the show presents an eclectic collection of 80 works, spanning from German expressionist Max Beckmann's 'The Beginning' to Cuban artist Wifredo Lam's 'Ídolo'. These pieces, along with works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and others, showcase the multifaceted nature of portraiture, blurring the lines between physical likeness and artistic interpretation.
D'Alessandro's curatorial vision is evident in her expansive definition of portraiture, considering historical context and artistic intent. She delves into the interplay between subject and artist, questioning the very essence of resemblance. The exhibition features Picasso's iconic portrait of Gertrude Stein, which he initially struggled to capture, eventually creating a masterpiece from memory. Stein's poem, 'If I Told Him, A Completed Portrait of Picasso', further complicates the concept of likeness, playing with words to emphasize the subjective nature of a portrait.
Another highlight is Lam's 'Ídolo', a recent acquisition that draws on Santería, a Cuban religion. The painting depicts Oyá, a Yoruba goddess, in a state of transition, symbolizing the fusion of human and animal. D'Alessandro notes the painting's dripping technique, suggesting the emergence of the subject. The exhibition also showcases Francis Picabia's 'Elegance', a dadaist portrait, paired with Wallace Stevens' poem, 'Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird', creating a harmonious blend of surrealism and poetry.
The show extends beyond traditional portraits, exploring abstract compositions that capture emotional experiences. Paul Klee's 'May Picture' and Vasily Kandinsky's 'Improvisation 27 (Garden of Love II)' are prime examples. Klee's soft, dreamy squares and Kandinsky's sun-like forms evoke a sense of atmosphere, rather than a precise likeness. D'Alessandro emphasizes the timeless concerns of portraiture, urging viewers to look beyond surface-level appearances and delve into the deeper meanings.
'The Face of Modern Life' highlights the human urge to connect and understand, as expressed by EM Forster. D'Alessandro believes that portraits offer a gateway to deeper stories and insights, encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of human existence. The exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring power of portraiture, inviting visitors to reconsider their understanding of this multifaceted art form.
