Janet/Pulp (Primary Title)
Chuck Close, American, 1940 - 2021 (Artist)
"I make portraits because I care more about people than anything else. I want you to care about them, and care about the image." —Chuck Close
Close’s career-long subject is the human face, most often of a friend or family member. This portrait of fellow artist Janet Fish captures some of her painting style, which is sometimes described as painterly realism. Unlike the subject’s own lush, saturated images, however, Janet/ Pulp is devoid of color. Using a stencil, Close deposited large areas of dyed pulp in various shades of gray and then pressed them to form a single sheet of paper. The grainy surface of the paper contrasts with alternating light and shade across the surface of Fish’s face, recalling the sparkling play of lightin her own still lifes.
Chuck Close @ VMFA
2:37Hear and see what major artists have to say about their works and concepts in their own words. These concise videos–2 to 3 minutes–are historic interviews recorded one-on-one by VMFA in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Chuck Close @ VMFA
2:37Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.