The National Portrait Gallery is a smaller gallery that only includes portraits in its collection. At the time we attended, the gallery was hosting the BP Portrait Award. This is the most prestigious Portrait competition in the world. The art work presented was very well done and enjoyable to look at. Most of the time, when I look at art work I do not usually respond as well to portraits because it usually depicts the same story, like showing the individual is wealthy. Therefore, my expectations were not high for this gallery. I do have to admit there were a few portraits that did look very interesting to me. I really enjoyed the portraits that were presented in an odd way. For example, the self-portrait of Alfred Wolmark.

Alfred Wolmark was born in Warsaw but moved to London in the 1890’s to train at the Royal Academy Schools. In his earlier paintings he stood out for his bold, geometric patterning and vivid colors. Most of this work was influenced by Post-Impressionism. Wolmark also created ballet designs, he stained glass and painted vases. This specific self-portrait stood out to me because of the bright and unusual colors used. I also really like that you could see every brush stroke; it added to the texture of the portrait. Now, I would not say this is my new favorite painting, but I did appreciate the unusual presentation for this type of work.

 

Bibliography:

“Alfred Wolmark.” National Portrait Gallery, www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp04902/alfred-aaron-wolmark.

“BP Portrait Award 2018 – Exhibition.” National Portrait Gallery, www.npg.org.uk/whatson/bp-portrait-award-2018/exhibition/.

(All Photos By Me)