The Sitter
Utilizing diverse mediums, the 2021 exhibition highlighted how contemporary artists are expanding their definition of what a portrait is and how they activate the figure.
By Contemporary at Blue Star
Suzette Bross, For The Glass, 2016 installed on the entrance windows.
Installation view of The Sitter with artwork by Loc Huynh (2021-06-03) by Loc HuynhContemporary at Blue Star
Installation detail of The Sitter at the Contemporary at Blue Star in 2021 with the work of Loc Huynh. (Loc Huynh, Bà ngoai va Ông ngoai (Grandma and Grandpa), 2021, paint, glue, cardboard, 40 x 40 x 30”, courtesy of artist.)
The group exhibition featured the work of 13 artists: La Vaughn Belle, Suzette Bross, Ruth Leonela Buentello, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Madison Cowles Serna, Natan Dvir, Sarah Fox, LaToya Hobbs, Loc Huynh, David Johnson and Philip Matthews, Zora J Murff, and Cruz Ortiz.
The Sitter highlighted works by artists using contemporary portraiture and figuration to build narratives and generate conversation around the subjects’ actions, experiences, or identities.
Installation view of The Sitter with artwork by Cruz Ortiz (2021-06-03) by Cruz Ortiz and Carmen Cartniss JohnsonContemporary at Blue Star
Installation view of The Sitter at the Contemporary at Blue Star in 2021 with the work of Cruz Ortiz in the foreground and Carmen Cartniss Johnson on the back wall.
Installation detail with the work of San Antonio-based artist Cruz Ortiz in The Sitter.
Installation view of The Sitter at Blue Star Contemporary (2021-06-03) by LaToya Hobbs, Ruth Buentello, and Madison Cowles SernaContemporary at Blue Star
The sitter or subjects transcend the role of model or muse and are sometimes collaborators or activators, giving access to a broader context and unraveling complicated stories.
Installation detail of The Sitter with the work of San Antonio-based artist Ruth Leonela Buentello. (Ruth Leonela Buentello, The Last Supper, 2017, acrylic on canvas, with lace trim, 42 x 64”, courtesy of the artist.)
Installation view of The Sitter with artwork by Carmen Cartniss Johnson (2021-06-21) by Carmen Cartniss JohnsonContemporary at Blue Star
Installation detail of The Sitter at the Contemporary at Blue Star with the work of San Antonio-based artist Carmen Cartniss Johnson.
Installation detail of The Sitter with
Carmen Cartiness Johnson, The Octagon Room, 2021, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 60”, courtesy of the artist.
Installation detail of The Sitter with Carmen Cartniss Johnson, Men in Short Sets Series, Big Man, 2015, Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 48”, Courtesy of the artist.
Featuring La Vaughn Belle, Suzette Bross, Ruth Leonela Buentello, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Madison Cowles Serna, Natan Dvir, Sarah Fox, LaToya Hobbs, Loc Huynh, David Johnson and Philip Matthews, Zora J Murff, Cruz Ortiz.
