By Michael Gormley
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Paul Wyse, Étude en rouge, oil on linen, 24 x 20 in.
Paul Wyse is a relatively recent discovery by Portraits, Inc.—coming to our attention two years ago via an open call for portfolios. American born and currently living in Canada, Wyse trained with leading portraitists Everett Raymond Kinstler and Daniel Greene and his portraits are in important collections, including the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, the Steinway Hall historical portrait collection, and the House of Commons of Canada. Also a world class pianist, Wyse has appeared in concert in prestigious venues such as Avery Fischer Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and before the Royal Family of Monaco.
“Étude en rouge” is Wyse’s entry to the upcoming Portraits, Inc. exhibition "Today’s Portraits" opening at the Salmagundi Club on November 14th, 2014. It is also the branding image that graces all the exhibition’s promotions—testament to the work’s allure. The artist tells us that the sitter's name is Dai Yi. She is a young Chinese girl who emigrated from China to study at his studio. The portrait is painted from a combination of life, photographic reference and imagination. Wyse adds, “The color scheme is essentially entirely made up, and the use of such strong reds required massive adjustments to the flesh palette to prevent her from appearing pallid. I loved the traditional Chinese cloth, and wanted to paint all of the shimmering folds. In Chinese culture, red is an auspicious color, symbolizing good fortune and joy. Obviously, I wanted to push the red as far as I could in the portrait, without passing the barrier of abstraction.”
I would venture that this tension between plastic expression and photo-like realism explains the painting’s unique attraction—it is like the dissonance one hears in good music. Blessedly, “Étude en rouge” never forgets that it is a painting and permits itself the flights of pure expression that little contemporary realism will risk for fear of offending its photo-image loving audience. Indeed “Étude en rouge” is fearless—its jubilant red celebrates what painting can offer--a visual experience like no other.
Aesthetic judgments aside, choosing an image to brand an exhibition is tricky business—not the least of which is the sheer multitude of works that all seem equally appropriate. That said, having spent endless hours agonizing about cover images as editor at American Artist magazine, I can attest that marketing decisions rely on criteria that is distinct from the aesthetics of good taste. Foremost a marketing image has to sell—and it does so by communicating to the potential customer the benefits of the goods or services being offered. Hence, Wyse’s image is more than a design element gracing a visually pleasing promo piece; it is meant to communicate the overarching benefit attached to that event—it's cultural currency. In short Wyse’s image symbolizes the idea that contemporary portraiture is relevant.
Like all cultural events seeking an audience by announcing itself as timely or important, the founding premise for mounting and promoting a show titled “Today’s Portraits” will certainly raise some questions. Promo card in hand, a viewer might ask, “Does contemporary portraiture (as an art form) even exist—meaning are there valid reasons informing the production of these works such that the genre is attracting native talent and inspiring creative flights of genius?
I think yes—but my opinion here is of little consequence. Cultures advance when they continue to ask questions—not when they proffer end game conclusions. The power of “Étude en rouge,” and the allure of the exhibition it symbolizes, arises from an earnest artistic search—both ask, “Can great portraiture be created today?”
By all means, come see for yourself.
Michael Gormley is a painter, writer, curator and regular contributor to the Portraits, Inc. blog. Gormley is the former editor of American Artist magazine and most recently created the fine art catalog for Craftsy--an online education platform.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.