In the “Face Value” series artist Cynthia Mangueira investigates and examines with every portrait how one can exploit creative methodologies in order to illustrate different motivations. Through time, we have used representations of ourselves to project vulnerability; desirability; virtue; power; anger and much more.
By using no other subject than herself, she plays with different poses, expressions, textures and lighting to build compositions that pay homage to the use of portraiture as a medium.
To every portrait there is an introductory poem that sets the tone of how it felt to be both the artist and the subject, inviting the viewer to be more thoroughly involved in the creative experience.
To expand the project beyond her own voice, she has collated a series of interviews into a short documentary that explores the perspectives of her generation.
Who you are holds intrinsic value. On the other hand, what you look like is a currency. Our appearance has become not only essential for social acceptance but for survival. The human condition revolves grandly on our own image and is codependent on our ability to manipulate it in the favor of any ulterior motive.
As artists, why are we so interested in portraying other humans? As a society, why are we so fascinated with portraits…picture frames… billboard ads.. magazine covers… even selfies? We are oversaturated with depictions of ourselves and often still oblivious to the way in which they can be used to misconstrue reality.
Where does our obsession come from?
We use portraits to express how we need and want to be perceived. And as mentioned before - how you are perceived is a currency whose value is highly volatile and dependent on factors outside your control.
Curatorial Rationale
What anthropocentric factors drive our enduring fascination with modern day portraiture?
William Brown
Hersley Ven Casero
Carlos Carreiro
Ranald Mackechnie
Special thanks to…
Lidia Ravviso
Russell Miller
Imogen Willets
Jorge Curval
