Where are the Portraits of Ordinary People?
Who has their portrait painted these days? When we think of portrait commissions, the usual suspects come to mind: corporate leaders, political figures, academics, scholars, philanthropists, activists, sports figures, or celebrities. All worthy figures. But why is it that portraits are predominantly reserved for these individuals? Where are the portraits of the rest of us?
A significant factor in determining who can afford to commission a portrait is, unsurprisingly, cost. A simple head-and-shoulders drawing by a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters starts at £1,500. That’s just for a drawing! There’s also a widely held belief that portraits are primarily commissioned to recognize and honour the most worthy members of society—those with notable achievements or significant contributions. But what about ordinary people? What about the great hordes of the “unworthy”?
Meet Michael. He was homeless at the time I painted his portrait above, and had recently been given a space in a homeless shelter, along with his dog Floyd. By any measure Michael was as unworthy as they come, but he was a valued and trusted friend, and I thought he was the perfect subject for a portrait painting. He did not have to be a leader of industry or a political heavyweight to enjoy the whole process and appreciate the finished portrait.
Portraits of the Everyday People
I am continually frustrated by the reinforcement of the belief that portrait paintings are the preserve of the privileged elite or the extraordinary. The BBC series “Extraordinary Portraits” describes itself as showcasing “breathtaking portraits of people with incredible personal and powerful stories—creating a picture of modern Britain.” What rubbish! We are all special, and we all have stories to tell. Who are we to judge if one story is more important than another?
The Project
In exasperation, I proposed to a friend that I would create a series of portraits of ordinary people—people who could not afford a commission but who would love and appreciate a painting of themselves or a loved one. A friend suggested I could pick “worthy” cases like nurses or doctors. No, no, no! With the greatest respect, the “worthy” have received quite enough attention lately. I want to focus on the overlooked masses.
This series will aim to democratize the art of portraiture, bringing it to those who are often forgotten or overlooked. It’s about celebrating the everyday individuals who make up the fabric of our society, giving them the recognition and appreciation they deserve through art. In a world where recognition is often reserved for a select few, this project seeks to shine a light on the ordinary and the overlooked, capturing their stories and immortalizing their likenesses through the medium of portrait painting.
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