Spread Ego at Place
Imagine an artist creating a piece which involves 30 or so of his colleagues making portraits of him. Now imagine taking a breath before saying something about the size of the artist’s ego.
Gwenn Seemel
Serene Pokerface (TJ Norris)
2010
acrylic on canvas
48 x 34 inches
When TJ Norris invited me to participate in his Spread Ego, a series of portraits of him created by his fellow artists, I admit that I judged him for a brief moment. But I stopped myself mid-smirk when I remembered that I hate it when people assume that “portrait = big ego.”
What’s more, I realized that I envied TJ’s courage too much to think of making fun of him.
detail image of Serene Pokerface (TJ Norris)
I don’t believe anyone who claims they wouldn’t want to get a glimpse of how other people see them. We’re social animals, and, as such, we’re interested in how we fit into other people’s perceptions of the world.
I also don’t believe anyone who claims they wouldn’t sweat it if they were going to be subjected to 30 renditions of themselves. We want to see how others see us, but it can be a difficult lesson too.
I don’t have a whole lot of experience in this arena, having had my portrait done only a few of times and most recently in this case by another one of the Spread Ego participants. That said, I do know that I would never have the nerve to suggest that a group of artists paint me. Needless to say, I’m excited to see how Spread Ego comes out!
Gabe at Place
Katherine Ace, Rachael Allen, Paul Aponte, Chris Bennett, Jason Berlin, Becca Bernstein, Horia Bobia, G Lewis Clevenger, Palma Corral, Matthew Cosby, Laurie Danial, Nancy Dasenbrock, Sarah Gottesdiener, Matthew Haggett, Ian Henderson, Hector Hernandez, Bobby Jones, Edward Juan, Ann Kendellen, Andrew Klaus, Gabriel Liston, Rae Mahaffey, Brent Marr, Cynthia Mosser, Noah Nakell, Mark Randall, Megan Scheminske, Abi Spring, Sushuma, Darrell Williamson, Carol Yarrow, and I will be making the portraits of TJ.
Some of the works, including mine, are already at the gallery, Place, and others will be added during the run of the show. Joshua Berger and Dustin Zemel have installations not related to Spread Ego at Place as well, and there’s another gallery next door to Place that is also open this evening. Plenty of art to enjoy at the mall tonight!
Opening: Saturday 4 December from 5 to 8 PM
Reception: Saturday 18 December from 5 to 8 PM
Open: through 31 January
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 PM
Place (located on the 3rd floor)
Pioneer Place Mall
700 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
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CATEGORIES: - Events - Featuring artists - Philosophy - Portraiture -
(2) Comments / Commentaires: Spread Ego at Place
Thank you Nancy! I got a peek at yours on your blog just now and I can’t wait to see it in person!
nancy dasenbrock...
hey gwenn… i delivered my piece to place today and they are in full swing accepting pieces and installing. i saw your piece and it is a show stopper! beautiful work. engaging and capturing a good bit of tj’s personality. i am thrilled to be part of this show…
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