Born: July 5, 1940, Monroe, Washington, USA
Died: August 19, 2021, Oceanside, New York, USA
Nationality: American
Style: Photorealism, Portraiture
Influences: Photography, Abstract Expressionism, grid systems
"I'm interested in the process of making a painting, not just the finished product."
Notable Artwork
Big Self-Portrait (1967-1968)
About Chuck Close
Born: July 5, 1940, Monroe, Washington, USA Died: August 19, 2021, Oceanside, New York, USA Nationality: American Style: Photorealism, Portraiture Influences: Photography, Abstract Expressionism, grid systems Major Exhibitions: “Big Self-Portrait” (1968), “Phil” (1969), “Fanny/Fingerpainting” (1985) Quote: “I’m interested in the process of making a painting, not just the finished product.”
Notable Artwork: Big Self-Portrait (1967-1968)
This large-scale, black-and-white painting depicts Close’s face in extreme close-up, revealing every pore, wrinkle, and hair with astonishing detail. Close used a grid system to transfer the photographic image to the canvas, working systematically and meticulously.
Significance
Big Self-Portrait is an iconic example of Photorealism. It demonstrates the technical virtuosity of the movement and its fascination with the photographic image. It also raises questions about portraiture, identity, and the relationship between painting and photography. While seemingly objective, the scale and detail create an almost unsettling effect.