I AM FINE - Identity in Focus: An Exploration of Portraiture in Contemporary Art

Zhang Dali, Yz, Liu Bolin and Erwin Olaf all work on the idea of the portrait by placing it at the heart of social and political matters. In their works, each gaze and every expression serves as a rallying call in favour of a cause. Zhang Dali explores the individual struggle against oppression, Yz uses discarded material to create works illustrating urban topics, Liu Bolin becomes one with his environment to symbolise the silencing of the oppressed. As for Erwin Olaf, he has shown his commitment to social issues by taking photographs highlighting the stories of marginalised individuals, whether they be women, people of colour or members of the LGBTQ+ community. These artists question our responsibility towards each other and encourage us to look beyond physical features to discover the core of each individual’s struggle.

 

 

Miaz Brothers, Futura and Niels Shoe Meulman explore portraiture through suggestion rather than definition. Their works captivate with their enigmatic subtlety, inviting the viewer to decipher stories hidden behind vague shapes and blurred outlines. Their portraits become visual enigmas; canvases where personal interpretation is key. Miaz Brothers use the sfumato technique to create classical faces with spray paint, crafting works between tradition and modernity. An emblematic figure in Futura’s work, his "pointman" is composed of expressive strokes and variating outlines, a testament to the kinetic energy specific to urban environments. With his work Self Portrait, Calligraffiti pioneer Niels Shoe Meulman presents an abstract and dark portrait from his Unmovement Series, using a unique technique consisting of spray paint and traces left by car tyres on canvas.

 

 

Miaz Brothers, Li Hongbo and Obvious present a new take on classical portraiture by infusing it with contemporary means. Their works deftly merge traditional techniques with modern perspectives, creating artistic compositions that evoke various periods. Miaz Brothers reinterpret the Renaissance with a Post-Modern perspective, Li Hongbo sculpts classical figures that can be infinitely adjusted. Using generative algorithms, Obvious crafts compelling portraits, highlighting the fusion of modern technologies with traditional artistic expression.

 

 

Rakajoo, Vhils and Seth give a voice to the forgotten, revealing faces often overlooked by society. Rakajoo’s paintings are windows open onto characters who carry multiple histories: their own, but also a broader narrative, that of Afro-Europeans. Vhils sculpts urban matter to unearth buried stories. As for Seth, he makes the most of the anonymity of his playful and imaginary characters to create colourful compositions. Each in their own way, these artists invite the viewer to appreciate the richness of anonymous individuality.